June 29 - July 10, 2013

Presented by Janet Blair, President, Successfully Single, Inc. & World Traveler

While you're in Russia, a cruise down its greatest rivers can be a perfect opportunity for you to better understand the Russian soul, world-known for its mysteriousness. A Russian river cruise is not a simple trip from one point to another - it's an unforgettable experience that will remain in your memory for all your life. While cruising down the river in Russia, you can enjoy unique Russian cuisine and breathtaking folk music and decorative arts and immerse yourself deeper in Russian history while visiting the greatest Russian cities. A Russian river cruise is probably the best way to travel if you want to fully enjoy the beauty of the Russian landscapes and the spectacular sunsets along the Volga River!

The Russian Cruise Company holds more than 50 passenger ships capable of transporting at least 200,000 passengers during the navigation period (from May till October). They operate cruises along rivers of Volga, Don, Kama, the Moscow and Volga Don canals, the Volga-Baltic waterway, Northern-Western rivers, lakes Ladoga and Onega. As a cruise company, they offer a full-cycle all-inclusive tour product, which means that they are responsible for all services provided to their customers from the moment they arrive to Russia till the moment they leave.

The “Konstantin Fedin” is a comfortable four-deck vessel. It is equipped with modern navigational facilities and exceeds the speed of 26 km per hour. The ship was totally re-furbished and it is re-decorated each year.

Passenger capacity: 250

Accommodations:6 suites 100 twins  20 singles  9 Triples

Konstantin Fedin Vessel features:Restaurant Restaurant-bar Piano bar Coffee bar Ironing room Conference hall Souvenir store SolariumSauna Medical room Fitness center

All cabins are outside with large scenic windows, equipped with private facilities, air-conditioning, refrigerators and 220V sockets.

Included services:Transfers airport-ship-airport for groups (min 20 pax); for groups less than 20 passengers, transfers can be organized for an extra chargeLuggage handling in river ports and on board the shipGuaranteed accommodation according to your reservationFull board catering (three meal/day) including dinner upon arrival and breakfast on the departure dayWelcome “bread and salt” ceremonyCaptain’s welcome cocktail receptionEnglish\French\German\Spanish\Italian speaking board guidesOn board entertainment including Russian language course and Russian songs lessons, live music concerts, dancing music in bars nightly, Captain’s bridge tour, & more!Included excursion (in Moscow and St. Petersburg in air-conditioned busses)Captain’s Farewell dinner (special menu)

Not included services:Additional drinks and water in ship restaurant and drinks in on-board barsOptional toursTips for the crew and ship staff - $7 - $8 USD per day

Day 1 & Day 2 – June 29 & 30 Detroit to St. Petersburg

After passing through customs and immigration, we will be transported by bus from the airport to the ship. Transfer is included for groups of 20 or more. Dinner will be served until 11:30 pm.

The beautiful city Peter the Great founded in 1703 and it’s capital from 1712-1914, has unbelievably sumptuous palaces, onion-domed churches and the lovely Neva River. Peter was inspired by London, Paris and Vienna and carefully developed the city by plan, creating canals and passageways that will remind you of Venice.

Most of the design remains intact today, testimony to the city’s pride and the inability of Hitler to conquer the city during World War II. It's a fascinating place, with splendid architecture and a lurid past that's fit for a romance novel. It is Russia's second-largest city after Moscow, with 5 million inhabitants.

St. Petersburg was the capital of Imperial Russia from 1712 -1914 and remains it’s cultural capital. All the big name composers such as Tchaikovsky & Tolstoy and more have been affiliated with St. Petersburg. Art is a key attraction. The Hermitage, one of the largest art museums in the world, is home to significant collections of Matisses, Picassos and Rembrandts. Don’t miss a chance to see the Russian ballet performed live.

After breakfast, depart for a bus city tour to Smolny Convent, Tavrichesky Palace, Summer Garden, Palace embankment, Winter palace, the Spire of the Basil Island (buildings of Stock Exchange, Kunstkamera, Zoo Museum), Bronze Horseman, buildings of the Senate and the Synod, St.Isaac´s cathedral, Nevsky prospect - The Church of the Savior, Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan, Gostiny Dvor, Catherine II monument.Tour to Peter and Paul Fortress. Walking tour: the Boat house, Peter I monument, Commandant´s house, Nevsky Gate, St.Peter and Paul´s Cathedral

Day 3 July 1 –St. Petersburg

After breakfast we visit the Hermitage Museum – the actual tour order of the halls may vary. Egyptian hall, War Gallery of 1812, St. George Hall, the Peter the Great (Small Throne) Room, Italian Art Collection (Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Michelangelo), Dutch Art (Rembrandt), French Art (Impressionists), Spanish Art (Ribera, Velázquez))

Day 4 – July 2 St. Petersburg

The Hermitage is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. It was founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great and has been open to the public since 1852. Its collections, of which only a small part is on permanent display, comprise some 3,000,000 items, including the largest collection of paintings in the world. The collections occupy six historic buildings along Palace Embankment, including the Winter Palace, a former residence of Russian emperors.

Day 4 – July 2 St. Petersburg

In the afternoon there will be an optional tour to Peterhof Palace, a series of palaces and gardens laid out on the orders of Peter the Great. These Palaces and gardens are sometimes referred as the "Russian Versailles". The palace-ensemble along with the city centre is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The magnificence of Peterhof, Peter the Great's summer imperial palace on the Gulf of Finland on Baltic Sea, is somewhat reminiscent of Versailles near Paris. Peter the Great visited Versailles in 1717 and he returned to St. Petersburg with many ideas for enhancing his summer palace and grounds, which were already under construction. The palace sits in 1500-acres of formal gardens and park, and its 173 glorious fountains are fed by underground springs that are 14 miles away. Like the Catherine summer palace, Peterhof was almost in ruins following World War II. However, many photos of Peterhof allowed reconstruction of the magnificent palace and park.

Day 5 – July 3 St. Petersburg

Pavlovsk, dating from the late 18th to the 19th century, was a summer residence of the Russian emperor Paul I and his family. Its architects were amongst the greatest of the period. The rooms of the Pavlovsk palace are decorated with natural and artificial marble, molding and paintings. The interior decor blends well with the magnificent objects of decorative and applied art, such as vases of semiprecious stones from the Urals and Altai mountains, ornamental metalwork, porcelain, colored glass, ivory, amber and many other objects fashioned by skilled craftsmen from designs by architects working in Pavlovsk. West European objects of art, such as paintings, bronzes, fabrics, furniture and so forth, were also acquired specially for the palace. The landscape park, one of the largest in Europe, covers an area of 600 hectares. After the end of the World War II the palace was restored, and today it is the only completely restored palace in the suburbs of St. Petersburg. All 45 rooms are open to the public.

Enjoy a full day at leisure or take the optional tour of Pavlovsk and Pushkin

Day 5 – July 3 St. Petersburg

Pushkin was the main summer residence of the royal family, name in honor of the Russian poet, Alexander Pushkin whose life was closely connected to this town. The main landmark is Catherine Palace. It features splendid interiors, designed by eminent architects. The collection of the palace includes a large number of precious works of art, such as furniture, porcelain, statues, canvases and so forth, including personal belongings of Russian emperors and members of their families. One of the most remarkable interiors of Catherine Palace is the Amber Room. During the palace excursion you will get to know about the mysterious history of the Amber room and see the restored interiors. The grounds, known as Catherine Park is an extremely poetic part of the palace. It is a magnificent work of creative labor by several generations of talented Russian architects, sculptors, gardeners, engineers and thousands of craftsmen and working people of various specializations.

Day 6 – July 4 Mandrogui

Inhabited by talented craftsmen, Mandrogui is a reconstructed village, built on the bank of the Svir River to illustrate the traditions and lifestyle of Russia's past. Experience provincial Russian lifestyle, watch the artisans and craftsmen making “matryoshkas” (Russian nesting dolls), carving wood, sewing, and ... visit the Vodka Museum, which boasts 250 varieties of the national drink.

In the afternoon we enjoy a shahshlik in a tent ashore. Then we depart for Kizhi in the mid-afternoon. Russian dance class and language class aboard. Delightful folk music concert after dinner.

Day 7 – July 5 Kizhi

Situated to the northeast of Lake Onega, the island of Kizhi is home to the open-air museum of fascinating wooden architecture. Walking on the island, you can see old wooden churches, chapels, bell towers, peasant houses, granaries, barns, windmills, bathhouses which were all brought from around the Onega region to illustrate the architecture common to the Russian North. The focal point, referred to as the Kizhi Ensemble, comprises the awe-inspiring 22-domed Transfiguration Cathedral (1714), the Church of Intercession (1774) and the bell tower between the two. Another significant structure is the modest Chapel of the Resurrection of Lazarus. Built in 1391, it is the oldest standing wooden church in Russia.

In the afternoon, we depart for Goritsy. On the way there, we enjoy a Russian language class, visit to the captain’s bridge and learn about the Russian tea culture.

Day 8 – July 6 Goritsy

After breakfast, play Russian Bingo and take part in a Russian Song Class before arriving in Goritsy. Goritsy is home to the Resurrection Convent, standing at the shoreline. Next we visit one of the Orthodox strongholds of Old Russia, the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake. Founded in the 14th century, the monastery has preserved its re markable architecture and fascinates the visitors by its majestic churches enclosed within austere fortress walls. The monastery is also famous for its museum of icons some of them are the oldest in Russia.

In the afternoon there is an optional Vodka and Blini Tasting Party and a Master class of Painting Russian Dolls “Matryoshka.”

Enjoy an included Russian Dance Class, a Pirate’s Game “Seeking for Treasure” before delighting in a traditional Pirate Dinner and musician’s concert.

Day 9 – July 7 Uglich

After breakfast, we embark on a city tour of Uglich. Uglich is the town where one of the most momentous events of the Russian history took place in the 16th century. It was then that the last member of the Ruirik dynasty, the young Tsarevich Dmitry was murdered. That dreadful event gave rise to what later became known as the time of trouble and only after 15 years the Romanov’s dynasty’s succeeding to the throne.

In Uglich we visit Dmitry on the Blood Church and Transfiguration Cathedral. After lunch we depart Uglich for Moscow.

In the afternoon, we enjoy a Russian Songs Class and Russian Language Class onboard before rehearsing for the Talent Show.

This evening is the Captain’s Dinner (elegant dress) and the talent show performed by our guests, for our guests.

After breakfast, we watch a film about the cruise and the board guides answer any questions we have about Russia. After lunch we are welcomed to Moscow, the city that never sleeps, the third Rome, the place that enjoys diversity and the capital of Russia. Moscow is the largest city of this country with almost 11 million inhabitants. During your stay you will get to know the history of the city and to visit the most prominent sights of Moscow- the breathtaking Red Square with the beautiful St. Basil’s cathedral, GUM, and the Kremlin. The Cathedral was ordered by Ivan the Terrible to mark the 1552 capture of Kazan from Mongol forces. It was completed in 1560. GUM is a famous Department Store on Moscow's Red Square. We will also visit the Kremlin and its famous insides, Tverskaya street and the Bolshoi Theatre. There is so much excitement waiting for you in the city of Moscow.

Day 10 July 8 – Moscow

In the evening there is an optional tour of Moscow by night.

After Breakfast we depart for the Kremlin tour and Archangel or Annunciation Cathedral. The Kremlin, is a historic complex at the heart of Moscow, overlooking the Moskva River, Saint Basil's Cathedral and Red Square and the Alexander Garden. It includes four palaces, four cathedrals and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers. The complex serves as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation.

There is an optional Armory Chamber Tour at noon. The Chamber preserves ancient state regalia, ceremonial tsar’s vestments and coronation dress, vestments of the Russian Orthodox Church’s hierarchs, the largest collection of gold and silverware by Russian craftsmen, ceremonial weapons and arms, horse and carriage harnesses.

After lunch onboard, we can enjoy free time in the city center, an optional Russian Circus and an optional folk show “Kostroma.”

Day 11 July 9 – Moscow

Many of you will agree that excellent catering is one of the most important aspects of perfect vacations. That’s why the staff pay specific attention to the meals served on board. Strict attention to details, unwavering customer service, trained professionals and fantastic food makes it the best in its sphere.

Perfect combination of European and Russian cuisine will allow you not only to try new tastes of Russia, but also to enjoy the well-known Western dishes. The choice menu system will give you a chance to select your dish out of three equally delicious alternatives.Complicated salads, appetizing soups, classy main courses and scrumptious desserts will satisfy the taste of the most sophisticated gourmets!

Get ready for an innovative and creative food journey that is centered around providing exquisite food for an exquisite cruise!

Dining on the Russian River Cruise

Unfortunately, Russian cuisine hasn’t made it big in the States. However, that leaves one more facet of Russian culture to discover on your own while you’re traveling. Visitors to Russia are often surprised at the variety and flavors of Russian traditional foods. A great many can be described as “divine,” and they will have you searching for the recipes when you return home!

So what are some of the most common traditional foods on a traditional Russian restaurant’s menu?

Borshch - beet soup, and one of the most famous Russian traditional foods. Pirozhki - These little pastries can be packed full of potatoes, meat, cabbage, or cheese. Caviar or ikra - is really something to get worked up about in Russia. It is often served on dark, crusty bread or with blini, which are like pancakes or crepes. Blini - are also served rolled with a variety of fillings: jam, cheese, onions, or even chocolate syrup. Shashlyk - Russian kebabs that are a combination of meat and vegetables. Pelmeni - pastry dumplings filled typically with meatballs. They can be served alone, slathered in butter and topped with sour cream, or in a soup broth. Smetana - You can expect to find sour cream, or, accompanying almost any Russian traditional food—with crepes, in soups, and even sometimes in dessert. Often, this sour cream is fresh and often melts into any warm dish, adding to its distinctive flavor.Morozhenoe - Russians love ice cream. It is common to find it on many restaurant menus with a variety of topping to choose from- fruit, nuts, or chocolate.

Expect to find Russian vodka, tea, mineral water, and soda on beverage menus. Beer in Russia is also very popular.

The Cuisine of Russian

Russian souvenirs reflect the national character and soul of Russian people so exactly and bright that you can enjoy looking at and studying them endlessly. They are as colorful and ornate as the city’s famed palaces and cathedrals.

Russian FursThe Russian Fur trade remains the largest in the world. 750,000 furs are sold there annually. Fur coats, jackets, vests, hats, gloves and accessories are favorite Russian luxuries to bring home.

Nesting dolls Matreshkas, or nesting dolls, are the most popular national Russian souvenirs. Matreshka is a descendant of traditional peasant toys that parents used to make for their children. Birch Boxes Birch bark items are made of pure birch or can be decorated by cutting through birch and stamping. Stamping on birch is one of the oldest handicrafts. The production of birch bark items was very popular in Russia. Ceramics Ceramics - porcelain, faience, majolica, and pottery - are made of fired clay with mineral components. Ceramic items are performed in traditional national style but with artists' individual vision. Lacquer boxes The first lacquer boxes appeared in Japan and China. Starting from the 16th century, the art of making such boxes spread in Western Europe. The first Russian lacquer boxes appeared at the beginning of the 18th century.

Russian Visa

To travel to Russia all foreign citizens are required to have Entry Visa. Russian visas for foreigners can be obtained at a local Russian Embassy or Consulate. To have a visa processed, official letter of invitation issued by the Federal Migration Service Department or specially authorized travel agencies is required.

The cruise line will issue this letter of invitation to eachperson who signs up for the cruise. After receiving the invitation, you must apply for the visa.

Requirements:Letter of invitation

Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay in Russia, with at least two adjacent blank visa pages available for Russian visa stamp.

For single visa requests: one original Russia visa application completed online, printed and signed; plus one copy.

One recent passport type photograph per application, in color, front view and with a plain/white background. Glasses should not be worn in the photo unless the photo in the original passport includes glasses.

The Value of Buying Direct

Sharper Image:$13.95

International Silver:$5.95

Lucky Silver (Direct):$1.95

Viking River Cruises:$3906

Gate 1 Travel:$2099

Vodohod Best Russian Cruises (Direct):$1499

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Day 12 – July 10 Trans Atlantic Flight from Moscow to Detroit

Estimate net fare per passenger $1,147.00Carrier-imposed international surcharge & taxes (subject to change at date of ticketing) $664.87 Ticketing fee per passenger $25.00 TOTAL: $1836.87 USD

June 29, 2013Depart DL 234 on 06/29/13 at 19:40 from DETROIT WAYNE COUNTY AIRPORT.Arrive 09:45 06/30/13 at AMSTERDAM SCHIPHOL AIRPORT

Depart KL 1395 06/30/13 AMSTERDAM at 12:45 Arrive SCHIPHOL AIRPORT SAINT PETERSBURG PULKOVO AIRPORT at 17:35 on 06/30/13

July 10, 2013Depart DL 031 07/10/13 at 11:40 from MOSCOW SHEREMETYEVO AIRPORTArrive at NEW YORK JOHN F. KENNEDY at 13:50

Depart DL 475 on 07/10/13 from NEW YORK JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT at 18:15Arrive at DETROIT WAYNE COUNTY AIRPORT at 20:43

Day 12 – July 10 Arrive Home in Detroit

We arrive back at home around 9:00 pm with new friends, memories tolast a lifetime and perhaps a new appreciation for the county we live in.

Thank you for attending. I hope you’ll decide to join us on this wonderful journey to a land of romance and imagination, with fabulous palaces and cathedrals that will take your breath away, with it’s unique artistic heritage, stunning scenery and amazing hospitality.