Volga Dream Gold River Cruise (Moscow to St Petersburg)

Arrive Moscow. Transfer to the 5-star hotel and check in for 2 nights. Spend the evening at leisure or explore Moscow.

Today join the guide for a half day tour of Moscow followed by trip on the famous Moscow metro. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit the old Tretyakov Art Gallery, which houses the largest collection of Russian art-from early icons to Russian avant-garde works of the 20th century. Optional visit to opera or ballet performance (subject to schedule of performances. (B,L)

Explore the Kremlin and visit to the Armoury Museum with is collection of tsarist thrones, ceremonial crowns, coaches and gifts of state. Continue to the beautifully frescoed 15th-century Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals. After lunch board the Volga Dream and set sail along the Russian Waterways. Enjoy scenic views of the Moscow-Volga man-made canal as the ship sets sail from Moscow. Gather for Captian's welcome reception and dinner. (B,L,D)

Arrive in Uglich. Far from ugly, the view as you approach Uglich from the Volga River is especially beautiful with the Cathedral of the Resurrection and St. John's Church looming on the horizon. A walking tour of this Golden Ring city includes the Chapel of St. Dimitry of the Blood, a 17th-century architectural treasure, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible's young son met his death. Visit the five-domed Church of the Transfiguration, noted for its beautiful iconostasis, and enjoy a concert of choral music. (B,L,D)

Founded in the 11th century by Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Yaroslavl is the oldest city on the Volga. The city was undamaged during World War II and many of Yaroslavl's churches from the 13th-17th centuries are intact. Visit the Saviour Transfiguration Monastery, adorned with murals depicting Saint John's apocalyptic visions. Visit the 17th-century Church of EIljah the Prophet with its most prized asset- frescoes painted by renowned artists of ancient Russia. during a visit to a colourful farmers market. (B,L,D)

Today, sail on the White Lake, once known as the Tsars fishing grounds. Dock in Goritsy and tour the Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery, founded by the hermit Saint Cyril. The monastery contains the 13th century Cathedral of the Assumption, with superb frescoes. (B,L,D)

Today, enter the Volga/Baltic Canal for a stop at the picturesque little island of Kizhi, which lies at the northern end of Lake Onega. During the walking tour of Kizhi, see the open air Museum of Architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration, an onion domed masterpiece with twenty-two cupolas. This amazing church was built without a single nail. (B,L,D)

Cruise the scenic Svir River, connecting Lake Onega and Lake Ladoga. Disembark in Mandrogi to experience daily life in a quaint wooden village. Visit the local crafts centre to see how the famous matrioshka dolls are hand painted. (B,L,D)

Arrive in St. Petersburg, this captivating city founded by Peter the Great in 1703. Built on a group of islands connected by bridges, it is one of the great art cities of the world. Disembark M/S Volga Dream and enjoy a half day city sightseeing tour, which will take you to Peter and Paul Fortress which is the oldest building in the city, See the Smolny Cathedral built by architect Rastrelli in mid-18th century, the Nevsky prospect which is the main city thoroughfare, and the Church on the Spilled Blood, commissioned by Alexander III as a memorial to his father, Alexander II who was killed by a terrorist bomb at this site in 1881. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit one of the most famous museums in the world, the Hermitage. Originally commissioned by Catherine the Great as a winter palace, the museum now houses over two million exhibits. Some of the interior highlights include the Ambassador's Staircase, the Throne Room and the Ballroom. Check in to the 5-star hotel for 3 nights. Optional visit to opera or ballet performance at the famous Mariinsky or Mikhailovsky Theatre (subject to schedule of performances). (B,L)

This morning depart for a half day sightseeing tourto Peterhof. Visit for the Grand Palace and Low Park. The lavish décor of the buildings is rivalled only by its famous Grand Cascade of fountains. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy some free time to explore St Petersburg at lesiure or book an optional excursion to Yusupov Palace, once the residence of the wealthiest and most respected families in Imperial Russia, which saw one of the most infamous episodes in Russia's history - the murder of Rasputin. (B,L)

This morning visit Tsar's Village for a specially arranged visit to Catherine Palace. See the exquisitely restored Amber Room and stroll in the formal gardens. Enjoy lunch and vodka tasting at Podvorie, a restaurant in a traditional Russian log house .Optional: In the afternoon return to St. Petersburg to visit the St. Isaac Cathedral or the Church of Our Saviour on the Spilled Blood, both within walking distance from the hotel. (B,L)

Free morning before the transfer to the airport for the flight to the UK. (B)