Thinking of Russia, two great places immediately come to mind: Moscow and St. Petersburg. This monumental 13-day itinerary includes multiple days in both cities, touring such landmarks as Moscow's Kremlin and Red Square as well as Pushkin, Peter & Paul Fortress and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. But, there is another side of Russia that only a river cruise can provide-the villages and quaint towns like Yaroslavl, Uglich and Goritzy. See opulent palaces, discover fortified monasteries and visit beautiful cathedrals. It is an unforgettable way to experience the history and culture of this unique and mysterious country.

Day 1: St. Petersburg
Arrive in St. Petersburg, 'The City of 300 Bridges.' We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner-or join our 'welcome walk' to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2: St. Petersburg
This morning, explore St. Petersburg on a city tour. See noted sights including St. Isaac's Cathedral and Nevsky Prospekt, and visit Peter & Paul Fortress. Have lunch in a local restaurant, then proceed to the Winter Palace to visit the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet or opera followed by a late dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 3: St. Petersburg
Today's excursion goes to Pushkin. Visit elegant Catherine's Palace, the rococo 18th-century summer residence of the Russian Czars named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber Room, and see the ornate decor throughout. Return aboard for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg. You may choose to take an optional canal cruise through the city. Dinner served aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 4: St. Petersburg
Most of the day is free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums, or take an optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains and French Gothic interiors. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Lunch and dinner served aboard; ship departs early evening. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Scenic Waterways & Mandrogy
Spend a relaxing day cruising along Russia's intricate waterways. Sail on the Neva River, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe's largest lake. Cruise the Svir River to Mandrogy where you have some free time to explore this model Russian community. Visit the vodka museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. Continue along the Svir's 139-mile 'Blue Route' toward Lake Onega. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Kizhi
Cruise through the early morning, admiring the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe's second largest lake. Arrive during breakfast at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture. Here, see a collection of ancient Russian wooden houses, windmills and churches, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church. This fairy-tale structure was built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart late morning and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Volga-Baltic Waterway & Goritzy
Continue cruising along the Volga-Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and 7 locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. Arrive at lunchtime in Goritzy, a typical Russian village. Here, visit the renowned Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397; a guided walk takes you through the historic grounds, seeing many small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. Return aboard for an afternoon departure. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Yaroslavl
Arrive midafternoon in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities-ancient towns that preserve the memory of Russia's historical events. Ride along the river banks where you see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you are treated to a traditional choir performance. Take free time to shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning aboard for dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Uglich
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. Lunch served aboard; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Moscow Canal & Moscow
This morning, cruise along the Moscow Canal, approaching Moscow during lunch. Disembark for a half-day city tour. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the colorful onion domes of St. Basil's Cathedral. You will also get the chance to experience the city's Metro. Stay in the city center to enjoy a meal prepared by the ship's chef and an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Moscow
After breakfast, travel to the city's famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. See its many tall towers, brightly colored cathedrals and elegant palaces. Tour inside the Armory, home to a collection of royal jewels, crowns and armor. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. This afternoon is yours to explore Moscow or you can join an optional tour to the Tretyakov Gallery, the world's foremost museum of Russian fine art. Dine aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Moscow
Enjoy a full day to further explore Moscow. Or join an optional tour to Sergiev Posad, a Golden Ring city named for the greatly venerated St. Sergius of Radonezh, to see one of the four most important Russian Orthodox monasteries in Russia. All meals served aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Moscow
After breakfast, disembark and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* (B)