Russia
Yesterday & Today

July 5 - 19, 2009

Escorted by Dr. David W. Darrow:
Your escort, Dr. Darrow received his Ph.D. in Modern Russian History from the University of Iowa in 1996. Since that time, he has taught Russian and European history courses in the History department at the University of Dayton. In August 2006 he became the new Director of the International Studies Program. Since his first trip to the Soviet Union in 1985, Dr. Darrow has returned to the region on several occasions for research and facilitator for student groups.

Experience and learn not only about Russia's ancient traditions and culture, but also gain insights into the contemporary local customs and the current social, economic and political situation of Today's Russia.

Explore the vast history and beauty of Russia via its waterways. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, a massive rebirth of interest in its past has emerged and visitors are afforded an opportunity to explore not only Russia’s ancient cultures but also its renewed awareness of the riches of its beginnings. Russia, the largest country on earth, is a country of prodigious diversity and reawakened energy. The capital city of Moscow will welcome you and share with you such famous sites as Red Square and the fabulous complex of cathedrals known as The Kremlin. Set sail aboard your ship for the ancient town of Uglich, situated on the banks of the mighty Volga. As you continue your journey, you will visit such exciting cities as Yaroslavl, active but provincial, the folkloric Svirstroy and St. Petersburg, located on the Finnish Bay.

Day 1 - July 5th - Sunday
USA / Moscow
Depart on your international flight to Moscow.

Day 2 - July 6th - Monday - (D)
Moscow
Arrival in Moscow. Meet your Escort and board your motor coach to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Hotel Cosmos

Day 3 - July 7th - Tuesday - (B, L, D)
Moscow
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Moscow to include Red Square; the home of St. Basil’s Cathedral and resting place of former soviet Bolshevik Leader, V. I. Lenin. Stop at the Vorobievskie Hills and a local university. Lunch will be at a local downtown restaurant. After lunch, visit the Kolomenskoye Museum. Formerly the summer residence of the grand dukes of Moscow and later of the tsars, the museum now exhibits Russian architecture and applied art.
Hotel Cosmos

Day 4 - July 8th - Wednesday - (B, L, D)
Moscow
After breakfast, hear a lecture “The Economy and Political Situation in Russia” at your hotel presented by a professor from Moscow University. Late morning checkout from your hotel. After enjoying lunch in a downtown restaurant, visit the Tretyakov Gallery, which houses a diverse collection of Russian pictorial art. After dinner, enjoy a performance of the famous Moscow Circus. Overnight on board your ship.
M. S. Bauman

Day 5 - July 9th - Thursday - (B, L, D)
Moscow
Today you will tour the Kremlin, the country’s mythic refuge and self-contained city containing armories, a medieval fortress and many churches. Visit the 16th century Armory and Assumption Cathedral, the oldest, largest and most important of the Kremlin’s churches. After lunch, visit the “Stalin’s Bunker” Museum and Christ the Savior Cathedral. Learn how this church, referred to as “the Great Church of Russia”, played a central role in the life of Moscow and the Nation. During your special tour of Stalin’s Bunker you’ll listen to the lecture covering the battle for Moscow - the decisive point in WWII. Overnight on board your ship.
M. S. Bauman

Day 6 - July 10th - Friday - (B, L, D)
Moscow
After breakfast, there will be a lecture “The Romanovs” presented on board your ship. The balance of the day is yours to explore the ship and it’s facilities and enjoy the view from the deck.
M. S. Bauman

Day 7- July 11th - Saturday - (B, L, D)
Uglich
Your ship will dock this morning at the town of Uglich. As you approach the town you will be afforded memorable views of the blue cupolas dotted with golden stars belonging to the Cathedral of the Resurrection. The combination of the city’s visual appeal and tragic past, make it one of Russia’s most loved cities. A morning city tour is scheduled. Lunch and dinner on board your ship with the balance of the day left to explore Uglich on your own.
M. S. Bauman

Day 8 - July 12th - Sunday - (B, L, D)
Yaroslavl
After breakfast, your ship will arrive in Yaroslavl, one of Russia’s oldest and most beautiful cities and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a city tour before returning to your ship for dinner.
M. S. Bauman

Day 9 - July 13th - Monday - (B, L, D)
Goritsy
Your ship will cross the impressive Rybinsk reservoir on the way to the tiny village of Goritsy. Enjoy a morning tour of Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded in 1397 by Kiril Belozersky. The monastery is surrounded by fortress walls topped by spectacular towers. The main building is Uspensky Cathedral, which was built between 1497 and 1498 by Prokhor Rostovsky, and is an example of early Moscow churches. The balance of the day is yours to explore.
M. S. Bauman

Day 10 - July 14th - Tuesday - (B, L, D)
Kizhi
Today the M. S. will dock at the tiny Kizhi Island, which is situated at the edge of Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe. After lunch, tour the living history museum where the wooden structures of early Russia have been preserved. A highlight is the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, built in 1714, which has 22 unique cupolas. The Kizhi Pogost is enlisted in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
M. S. Bauman

Day 11 - July 15th - Wednesday - (B, L, D)
Mandrogi
Stop at the folkloric village of Mandrogi. Take a leisurely stroll through this quaint riverside village, dotted with small stone cottages and friendly residents and enjoy a picnic lunch before an afternoon departure.
M. S. Bauman

Day 12 - July 16th - Thursday - (B, L, D)
St. Petersburg
Morning arrival in St. Petersburg. After your ship docks, depart for a tour of the city. Visit Peter and Paul Fortress, the architectural and historical center of the city. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and afterwards, visit a local kindergarten for orphans. Dinner will be downtown and a performance of the ballet is planned for later in the evening.
M. S. Bauman

Day 13 - July 17th - Friday - (B, L, D)
St. Petersburg
In the morning visit the State Hermitage, which occupies 6 grand buildings located on the River Neva in the heart of the city. It’s 3,000,000 plus pieces of art represent the development of world culture from the stone age through modern times.After lunch you will tour Peterhof, founded by Peter the Great in the beginning of the 18th century. Often called “Capital of Fountains”, it’s beautiful parks, 176 fountains, palaces and many pieces of art make Peterhof one of Russia’s most notable architecture and art museums. Late PM, enjoy free time on the Nevsky prospect, St. Petersburg’s main avenue and one of the best-known streets in Russia and the city’s central shopping street. A farewell dinner is planned on the ship.
M. S. Bauman

Day 14 - July 18th - Saturday - (B, L, D)
St. Petersburg
After breakfast, a morning lecture, “Russian Art and Culture” will be given by a Professor from the St. Petersburg University. After the lecture check out from the ship and transfer to your hotel. Visit Catherine's Palace in Pushkin where you will stay for lunch. Tsarskoye Selo, often known as Tsar’s Village, consists of more than 100 buildings including palaces and historical monuments and was begun in the early 18th century. Tour St. Isaac’s Cathedral, once the main church of St. Petersburg and the largest church in Russia. The sides of the cathedral are decorated with huge granite columns and sculptures. Inside you will find mosaic icons, painting and columns made of malachite and lapis lazuli. Dinner will be downtown and a folklore performance is planned for later in the evening.
Pribaltiyskaya Park Inn

Day 15 - July 19th - Sunday - (B)
St. Petersburg / USA
This morning you will say good-bye to St. Petersburg. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.