Waterways of the Tsars: Stories From the White House
An 11 Day River Cruise and Land Program: St. Petersburg to Moscow
Explore unique ports of call and envision the ancient villages of rural Russia from the deck of a fabulous riverboat as it glides through the lakes, rivers and canals that connect Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Along the way, visit Mandrogi, Kizhi Island- a world heritage site, Vytegra, Goritzy, Yaroslavl and Uglich – fairytale villages of Russia beckon only a few feet from your window.
Chef Walter Scheib invites you to join him for an interesting adventure in Russian cuisine as well as an enlightening cooking demonstration onboard the ship with a Q&A about his experiences in the White House.
This program runs concurrently with our land program in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Click here to view.
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| Behold a forgotten gamut of treasures of the Tsars, ranging from the kitchen relics and world-class works of art, to royal carriages, original palace furniture, and imperial wardrobes in private storage chambers of the Hermitage Museum. |
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| Visit the vaults of the Treasury Rooms at Catherine Palace, where you will see the most precious pieces form the personal belongings of the Romanovs, as well as the Amber Room which features some of the most valuable objects that were saved before the Nazi occupation. |
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| Be among the few ever allowed entrance into the Grand Kremlin Palace to view the Faceted Chamber, the Terem, home to the very earliest tsars, and the official residence of the Romanovs. |
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| See the scepter of Catherine the Great with its famous Orlov Diamond and one of the largest collections of diamonds and gem stones in the world. |
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| Experience an unforgettable gala dinner event on your final night in Moscow featuring a menu designed and prepared by Chef Walter Scheib. |
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Price: From $7,950 per person, based on double occupancy for Standard Main Deck Stateroom - see Accommodations tab for upgrades.
Price Details: 25% deposit is required to reserve. Second payment of 25% is due 6 months prior to traveling, with full payment required 3 months prior to departure. See Refund Policy below to learn how you can cancel for any reason and protect your trip investment.
Inclusions: Fare includes accommodations and meals, airport transfers, sightseeing with transportation and private guides, tour entrances, and baggage services per itinerary. Events with Walter Scheib as described in itinerary and services of an AuthentEscapes escort throughout the program.
Exclusions: Fare does not include international air, meals not stated in itinerary, passport and visa fees, gratuities, spa treatments, telephone calls and other items of a personal nature.
Disclaimer: Fares quoted for this departure are subject to a minimum number of travelers. Activities, special guests, properties and itinerary are subject to change. We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance to protect against injury, illness and unforeseen circumstances in the destination.
Waterways of the Tsars: Stories From the White House: Accommodations
Taleon Imperial Hotel
The Taleon Imperial Hotel is the only lodging in St. Petersburg providing accommodations in a czarist-era palace. Restored and modified by some of Russia's finest artistic talent, the hotel opened in May 2003 in time to celebrate the city's 300th anniversary. Since then, the Taleon has quickly become the place of preference for the city’s most prominent and wealthy guests. Its status as a club hotel ensures your privacy.
Room interiors combine the latest advances of modern technology with the grandeur and charm of past centuries, and the dining is rated as the city’s finest. Warm and courteous personnel welcome you, and wait on your every wish.
The M.S. Volga Dream
Since the Volga Dream made her maiden voyage in June 2007, over 3,000 travelers from around the world have experienced Russia’s magnificent nature and its unique architectural monuments while cruising in comfort along the Volga River.
Carrying 109 passengers, standard staterooms (included in the base fare for this program) are located on the Main Deck and feature two twin beds and picture windows. Square footage ranges between 100 and 114 square feet.
Staterooms contain a wardrobe and are equipped with air conditioning, mini-bar, safe deposit box, telephone and flat screen TV offering international satellite TV programs, as well as various radio and music channel options.
The bathroom features a shower with hair dryer, robe and slippers.
While on board the ship, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily. Wine, Beer and Sodas are included at lunch and dinner.
Facilities onboard include Single Seating Dining room with rich choice of Russian and European dishes, Neva Lounge with AV equipment and Bar with live music, Ladoga Bar with Plantation Teak Deck Furniture, Library with Internet access, a 24-hour Tea and Coffee station , Boutique featuring folk craft items, Barbers & Hair Dresser, Fitness Center, Sauna bath and a Massage room and Laundry. There is no smoking onboard.
Upgrade to Promenade Deck for $1000 more per person based on double occupancy. Fares for single travelers are $8675 for Promenade Deck Single Cabin; $9,525 for Main Deck Standard Cabin or $10,775 for Promenade Deck Deluxe Cabin. Contact us for details.
The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow
The façade of this new 11 storey building is reminiscent of the Russian classic époque and fits well into the historical setting of the Tverskaya Street and will offer a new standard of luxury and service for visitors to Moscow.
Peter Silling has recreated a classic interior reflecting the rich imperial style for which Russia was well known during the 19th century.
The hotel is centrally located and the striking architecture of the Roof Top
Lounge and terrace offers panoramic views of Red Square and the Kremlin. The contemporary structure of glass and steel promises a day light environment all year long.
The hotel features the largest rooms in the city decorated with red cherry woodand marble from Portugal and 1800 antiques that capture the feel of that era. Rooms offer the latest in technology. Bathrooms feature a separate rainfall shower, separate toilet and bidet, two sinks and a marble bath.
Superior Rooms included in this program feature over 450
square feet of space. The larger of these rooms offer up to 550 square feet in size – the largest standard guest rooms in Moscow. These rooms can either face a neighboring building or the quiet inner atrium. Choose one king or two double beds.
Waterways of the Tsars: Stories From the White House: Itinerary
Day 1: Wednesday, August 25th St. Petersburg [D]
Arrival into St. Petersburg
Your driver will meet you outside of baggage claim and transfer you to the hotel.
Welcome dinner in the hotel’s new Georgian Restaurant
Overnight Taleon Imperial
Day 2: Thursday, August 26th St. Petersburg [B,L,D]
Breakfast at your hotel and check-out
Full Day of Private Touring in St. Petersburg
Private access to view the storage chambers at the Hermitage Museum. Enjoy lunch with entertainment at Podvorye in the countryside village of Pavlovsk.
Private access at Catherine Palace, including the Treasury Rooms and Amber Storage Rooms, where craftsmen rebuilt the famous amber panels lost in World War II.
Embark the Volga Dream in the late afternoon
The remainder of the day is at leisure with dinner and overnight onboard
Day 3: Friday, August 27th Mandrogi [B,L,D]
Today after lunch, you will enjoy a tour through the quaint village of Mandrogi. The town is a recreation of a traditional Russian village complete with old wooden houses and villagers handcrafting matryoshka dolls, lace and ceramics.
Day 4: Saturday, August 28th Kizhi Island [B,L,D]
Traveling on the Volga-Baltic Waterways you will arrive at the tiny island of Kizhi. Visit the Open-Air Museum demonstrating the traditional culture of Russians in Zainejie.
Next will be a walking tour visiting the architectural ensemble of the House of Schepin and Elizarov, the Chapel of Michael Archangel, the Church of Lasar Resurrection, the Church of Pokrov and the Transfiguration Church.
Day 5: Sunday, August 29th Vytegra [B,L,D]
This morning you will have the opportunity to visit an authentic Cold War submarine at Vytegra. You will see the living quarters on board along with the engine room and torpedo launch facility.
Day 6: Monday, August 30th Goritzy [B,L,D]
As you continue your journey, enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you sail through the White Lake and through the Volga-Baltic Canal. The canal was constructed by those who were political prisoners during the Stalin regime. When you arrive in Goritzy you will visit the historic Kiril-Beloserskiy Men’s Monastery founded in 1397. Here you will discover its rich history and magnificent architecture.
Day 7: Tuesday, August 31st Yaroslavl [B,L,D]
Yaroslavl is a large river port stretching along the banks of the Volga River. Yaroslav Mudry (the Wise) founded the city in 1010. It was a large center of trade and crafts in the 17th century. It is famous all over Russia for its textiles in the old tradition. Yaroslavl belongs to the "Golden Ring" cities of Russia and it's one of the largest centers of Russian architecture and arts of the 13th - 17th centuries. Today you will tour this city’s historical and architectural monuments.
Day 8: Wednesday, September 1st Uglich [B,L,D]
Today, upon arrival in Uglich enjoy a walking tour of the town.
Founded in 1148, Uglich is one of the most beloved towns in old Russia. As you approach the town by river, the view of the town is especially lovely with the Cathedral of the Resurrection and St. John’s Church looming on the horizon. This delightful town retains much of its original charm in the form of historic wooden architecture and elegant cathedrals, including the famed Tsarevitch Church that was built in memory of Ivan the Terrible’s son, who died mysteriously on this site.
Day 9: Thursday, September 2nd Moscow [B]
Midday arrival in Moscow
Afternoon city tour
Stop at Sparrow Hills for the best views over the city and the highlights of Moscow, including the Russian White House, Arbat Street and the Moskva River. Tour the Novodevichy Convent, constructed in the 16th Century, which houses the Cathedral of the Virgin of Smolensk.
After the tour, transfer to your hotel to check in.
The remainder of the day is at leisure with dinner on your own.
Overnight The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow
Day 10: Friday, September 3rd Moscow [B, D]
Breakfast at your hotel
Walking Tour of Moscow: The Kremlin
Go inside the Kremlin and through its expansive grounds, including the Assumption Cathedral, where all Russian tsars were crowned. Also tour the Armory Museum, including its vast collection of Imperial Russian artwork, and enjoy a private visit to the Diamond Vaults - one of the largest and most impressive in the world.
Continue onward to go inside the Grand Kremlin Palace proper, the Faceted Chamber and the ancient Terem. The ancient Terem was home to the very earliest tsars, and was the official residence of the Romanovs.
Please note that special permission and security clearance is required for this visit. Your passport details will need to be sent to Kremlin authorities at least one month prior to your visit.
Gala Dinner with Chef Walter Scheib
Overnight The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow
Day 11: Saturday, September 4th Moscow onwards [B]
Your driver will meet you at your hotel for transfer to the airport and your onward flight.
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