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102 For complete itinerary details and videos, visit vikingcruises.com.au WATERWAYS OF THE TSARS 13 day cruise with 10 guided tours DAY 1 St. Petersburg, Russia Arrive in St. Petersburg, "The City of 300 Bridges" then transfer to your ship. After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. (D) DAY 2 St. Petersburg, Russia Visit the Winter Palace and the legendary Hermitage Museum, where you marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewellery and sculpture. Return aboard for an early dinner, followed by an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet. The Hermitage Behind Closed Doors Enjoy a Privileged Access experience that explores beyond the galleries of this magnificent museum. (B, L, D) DAY 3 St. Petersburg, Russia Tour the Catherine Palace, the elegant rococo 18th-century summer residence of the Russian Tsars. See landmarks including St. Isaac's Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. Dine aboard and enjoy an optional Russian folkloric performance this evening. (B, L, D) DAY 4 St. Petersburg, Russia At your leisure, visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums, or take an optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, admiring its landscaped gardens and beautiful fountains. In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional kommunalka visit to get a glimpse of these communal living spaces or take an optional tour of St. Petersburg from the water. (B, L, D) DAY 5 Mandrogy, Russia Spend a relaxing day cruising Russia's intricate waterways. Cruise the Svir River to Mandrogy where you have some time to explore this museum village. The Russian Banya Indulge in the invigorating traditions of the Russian sauna experience. (B, L, D) DAY 6 Kizhi, Russia Set out on a walking tour through the Kizhi Island Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, see a collection of wooden houses, windmills and churches representing ancient Russian architecture, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church, a fairy-tale- like structure built in 1714 without a single nail. (B, L, D) DAY 7 Kuzino, Russia We continue cruising along the Volga- Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and seven locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. Arrive in Kuzino, a typical Russian village. Take a guided walk through the historic Kirillo- Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397. (B, L, D) DAY 8 Yaroslavl, Russia Tour the ancient town of Yaroslavl rich in monuments and visit the covered food market where you may shop for handcrafted souvenirs. During your free time, you may visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. (B, L, D) DAY 9 Uglich, Russia After breakfast, disembark for a walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, another Golden Ring city. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible's son Dmitry was mysteriously killed. (B, L, D) DAY 10 Moscow, Russia This morning, cruise along the Moscow Canal, arriving in Moscow during lunch. See the famed Bolshoi Theatre and stop at Red Square for a view of the brightly coloured St. Basil's Cathedral. You will also get the chance to explore the famous GUM Department Store. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music. (B, L, D) DAY 11 Moscow, Russia Today you have a full day to further explore Moscow's many buildings, parks and monuments. This morning, you may want to join a half-day optional tour to Tretyakov Gallery, the world's foremost museum of Russian fine art. After lunch you may also choose to visit the Cosmonaut Museum to see displays about the history of space exploration. (B, L, D) DAY 12 Moscow, Russia After breakfast, travel to the city's famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. You'll go behind its walls to see historic gems like Tsar's Cannon and Tsar's Bell, and tour inside two cathedrals. The afternoon is free to relax and explore. You may wish to visit Lenin's Tomb. (B, L, D) DAY 13 Moscow, Russia After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight. Or take some extra time in Russia with a two night Moscow extension. (B) C H U R C H S AV I O U R , S T P E T E R S B U R G Key Example of Optional Shore Excursion