11
The Rise and Fall of Imperial Russia The Baltic Countries - Medieval and Modern a touch of luxury and style The Formation of Poland Volga Dream Cruise
The Rise and Fall of Imperial Russia The Baltic Countries - Medieval and Modern
a touch of luxury and style
The Formation of Poland Volga Dream Cruise
a touch of luxury and style
une touche de luxe et de style
ein Hauch von Luxus und Stil
un tocco di lusso e di stile
um toque de luxo e estilo
un toque de lujo y estilo
прикосновение роскоши и стиля
Graceful service
The tours include only the very best each destination has to offer
• we have selected a small portfolio of hotelsleading a new direction of easy elegance,sophisticatedcharmanddiscreteluxury
• wehavechosencharming,elegantandexqui-site restaurants and venues for lunches anddinners
• weoperatealltourswithnew,largeandcom-fortable private cars or minivans such asMercedes Benz S-class cars or similar andMercedesBenzVianominivansorsimilar
• we have selected our most experienced andqualified guides, who perform with compe-tenceandasmile
• wehaveincludedthedestinations’mostfasci-nating sights, all of thehighlights and exclu-sivevisits
Expect completely exclusive tours with plenty of
private services, visits and dining
Graceful, intelligent and dedicated service
La Boheme Deluxe Tours
agenuinedeluxetourproductcoveringfivecountriesof the Baltic Sea region - Russia, Estonia, Latvia,LithuaniaandPoland-aproductwhichwillsurpriseandenchanttheworld’smostdiscerningtravellers.
Authentic experiences
La Boheme deluxe products are targeted at seas-onedVVIP travellers - couples, families and smallgroupsseekingtoenhancetheirlifestyle.
La Boheme deluxe products combine luxury andstylewithconceptualstrengthandeducationalqua-lities and simultaneously provide authentic travelexperienceandoutstandingleisure.
Volga Dream Cruise
AsapartofourexclusiveproductportfolioweareintroducingVolgaDreamCruiseonboard thebou-tiqueVolgaDreamcruiseship,revealingTsarist-arealuxury and authentic travel experience along thelongestandlargestwaterarteryinEurope.
觸 摸 奢 侈 斯 提 萊
THE RISE AND FALL OF IMPERIAL
RUSSIA
MOSCOW (4) - ST. PETERSBURG (4)
The Romanov dynasty ruled Russia for over 300 years. Over the cen-
turies it conquered vast territories and transformed the initially small
Russian state into Imperial Russia, the biggest country in the world
and one of the greatest powers of 18th and 19th century Europe. The
dynasty amassed unprecedented wealth both for itself and for the
Russian nobility, the Boyars, while leaving the political and social fabric
of the empire in a backwards state. Thus it laid the seeds for its own
downfall and it eventually vanished in the maelstrom of the political
and social upheavals of 1917. This tour is an opportunity to meet one
of the world’s most fascinating countries and the story of the rise and
fall of a great empire and its imperial dynasty.
DAY 03: MOSCOW
09:00 – 14:00 ThefirstpartofthedayisreservedforavisittoKuskovo Estate.Thecentrepieceoftheestateistheweddingcake-likeMain Palacewithitssumptuously decorated halls and chambers and themagnificentballroomwithgoldornamentation,crystalchandeliersandreliefpanels.Behindthepalaceinthegeometrically landscaped French garden stands theyellow,whiteandgreenGrotto.NearbyyouwillfindthedelightfulItalian CottageandbeyondtheAviaryandtheopen-airGreenTheatrestandstheOrangery.
15:00 Late lunch at Restaurant Sem Pyatnits,locatedinanelegantmansionabundantlydecoratedwith late19thcentury funitureandantiquitiesandfeaturingauthenticRussiancuisine.
DAY 04: MOSCOW09:30 – 13:00Themorning touroffersavisit tothe Tretyakov Gallery. You will in particular getacquaintedwiththeexhibitionofmedievalRussianart in the gallery, made up of beautifully craftediconsdatingfromthe11thtothe17thcentury.
13:00Lunch at Restaurant Turandot, oneof themostupscalerestaurantsinthecity,richlydecorat-edintheBaroquestyleof18thcenturyMoscow.
14:30-17:00 The afternoon offers a visit to theimpressiveRomanov Palace Chambers.
20:00–22:00 Moscow by night. During thisatmospherictouryouwillvisitSt.Sofia’sEmbankmentwithasplendidpanoramicviewoftheKremlin,theCathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Church of St.Nicholas,theWhiteHouseoftheRussianFederationandMoscow’silluminatedboulevards.
DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN MOSCOW
Transferfora4-nightstayinasuperiorroomatHo-tel Ritz Carlton Moscow***** deluxe,check-in.
20:00 Dinner at House of Literature, refinedRussian cuisine in the historical restaurant of thefamedRussianwritersofthesilverage.
DAY 02: MOSCOW09:00 – 14:00 Amorning tour takesyou to theMoscow Kremlin.Youwillseevastpalaces,gold-domed cathedrals, the infamous Ivan the Terri-ble bell tower and much more. The highlight ofthe tour is a special visit to theArmoury Muse-um, which includes a vast collection of ImperialRussiantreasures.
14:00 Lunch at Restaurant Bolshoi, Russianhaute cuisine in a setting with exclusive con-temporary paintings and sculptures and opulentfurniture.15:30 – 18:00Anafternoonpanoramic city tourgivesyouanoverviewofthesplendoursofthecityincludingtheimpressiveRedSquareandSt.Basil’sCathedral, the GUM Department Store, TverskayaStreet with its glamorous shops and boutiques,TheatreSquarewiththeBolshoiTheatreandfinallyadrivealongtheMoscowRivertoSparrowHillstoenjoyabreathtakingpanoramicviewofthismagnif-icentRussianmetropole.
PROGRAM
Historical Notes
Moscow, founded in 1147 by Price Jury Dolgoruky, is a genuine Russian city and home to the Kremlin and onion-domed cathe-drals, palaces and mansions throughout the city. The dramatic changes over the last dec-ade have made the city into one of the most dynamic metropoles in the world.
The Kremlin was Moscow’s historical for-tified stronghold and it was here that the city was originally founded back in the 12th century. It is still the place from which all Russian power emanates. It was here Ivan the Terrible orchestrated his reign of terror, Na-poleon watched Moscow burn, Lenin shaped Soviet power and Gorbachov unleashed perestroika.
The Novodevichy Monastery, founded in 1524 to celebrate the taking of Smolensk from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, recalls the most momentous and dramatic events of Russian history in the 16th to 19th century. Many Russian princesses and tsarinas were imprisoned or took the veil here. Behind the south wall is the most venerated cemetery in Moscow. It is the final resting place of some of Russia’s most outstanding writers and poets, including Chekhov and Gogol.
It is believed that Mikhail Romanov, the first tsar of the Romanov dynasty, was born in the Romanov Palace. Today the mansion houses a delightful museum devoted to the boyar life-style of the 16th and 17th centuries. Period clothing, furniture and household items adorn the rooms, illustrating how the boyars lived.
When Count Nikolai Sheremetev married Varvava Cherkassaskaya in 1743, their joint properties amounted to 1200 villages and 200,000 serfs. They created a place of exqui-site beauty and elegance out of their country estate in Kuskovo. It was designed and built by both French and Russian architects and took over 40 years to complete.
In 1892, the well-known Moscow art collec-tor, merchant and industrialist Pavel Tret-yakov offered to donate his substantial and unique picture gallery to the city of Moscow. This marked the foundation of the Tretyakov Gallery.
Historical Notes
It was the desire of Peter the Great to crush the Swedes and make Russia a European power that led to the foundation of St. Petersburg. The Peter & Paul Fortress was built alongside the Neva in 1703 to protect the area from possible attack by the Swedish navy and marks the foundation of the awe-ins-piring new capital. After Peter the Great trounced the Swedes at Poltava in 1709 the city started to grow. Peasants were drafted in for forced labour and architects and artisans were brought in from all of Europe to shape one of Europe’s grandest capitals.
The Hermitage is set in the lavishly decora-ted state rooms of the 18th century Winter Palace, from which the Romanov dynasty ruled Russia for almost two centuries after Peter the Great moved the Russian capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg at the beginning of the 18th century. The museum fully lives up to its re-putation as one of the great art galleries of the world and its enormous collection boasts masterpieces by Da Vinci, Rubens, Raphael, Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, Matisse and many others.
The Catherine’s Palace in Tsarskoye Selo ranks as one of the masterpieces of the world for its architecture and art. Inaugurated in 1710 by Peter the Great and enlarged and modified by Italian star architect Bartolomeo Rastrel-li under Catherine the Great, the palace was the summer residence for the imperial family. Its grandiose turquoise, white and gold faca-de stretches almost 1000 feet and its most spacious room, the Great Hall, covers almost 10,000 square feet.
DAY 05: MOSCOW-ST. PETERSBURG
10:00–14:00 Youbeginthedaywithatourofthe16thNovodevichy Monastery,oneofthecity’smostbeautiful ensembles of buildings. Its white walls,towers topped by festive coronas, the magnificentSmolenskyCathedralandastunningbelltowerim-mediatelyattracttheeye.
14:00 Lunch at Café Pushkin,authenticRussianfood at this gorgeous turn-of-the-century mansioncomplete with costumed waiters and a pre-revolu-tionaryatmosphere.
15:30 Transfer to the railway station to embarkon the Sapsan high-speed train bound for St.Petersburg.
16:30 Departure.Whilethetraintakesyouthoughendless Russian landscapes, enjoy the excellentdinnerserviceinthe1stclasscarriage.
22:00 Arrival in St. Petersburg. Transfer for a4-nightstayinasuperiorroomattheHotel Grand Europe***** deluxe,check-in.
DAY 06: ST. PETERSBURG
10:00–14:00 This morning you are visiting theHermitage Museum.Youwillseethehighlightsoftheexhibitionsandaspecialarrangementmakesitpossible for you to visit theGold Treasury Roomto seeGreekgold from the6th to the4th centuryBC and jewellery of theOrient from the 16th-18thcenturies.
14:00Lunch at Restaurant Old Customs House,classyrestaurantcelebratingthecuisineoftheRus-sianaristocracy
15:30–18:00 The afternoonpanoramic city tourincludesthecity’smostfamoussites:NevskyPros-pect, theAdmiraltyBuilding,St. Isaac’sCathedral,KazanCathedral,theChurchoftheBleedingSaviourandtheNevskyConventandculminateswithavisittothePeter & Paul Fortress.
DAY 07: ST. PETERSBURG09:00 – 17:00 ThewholedayisreservedforavisittoTsarskoye Selo (Pushkin)andPavlovsk.YouvisittheCatherine’s Palaceandthehighlightofthetourof thepalace isavisit to theAmber Room,whichvanishedduringWorldWarIIandwasrestoredforSt.Petersburg’stri-centennialcelebrations.
13:00Lunch at Restaurant Podvoriye, located inatraditionalwoodenRussianhouse,an“izba”,andofferinggenuineRussiancuisine.
14:30 You continue to Pavlovsk Palace built forPaulI,thesonofCatherinetheGreat.Itsremarka-bleparkisdottedwithclassicalstatuesandtemplesandyouexploretheparkduringaprivate ride in a horse-drawn carriage.
16:00 ReturntoSt.Petersburg.
DAY 08: ST. PETERSBURG
09:00 – 14:00AmorningtourtakesyoutoPeter-hof.Youvisit theGrand Palaceand theMonplai-sir Palace andenjoy thebreathtakingsightof theGrand Cascade and the Water Avenue before youreturntoSt.Petersburg.
14:00 Lunch at Restaurant Dostoevsky, namedafter the famous Russian novelist and faithful totraditionalRussiancuisine.
15:30-17:00 The afternoon tour takes you to theYusupov Palace.Duringthetourofthepalaceyouwill see stately rooms decorated in very differentstyles,fromclassicalFrenchtobizarreMoorish,thetheatreofthepalaceandtheRasputinRoominthecellar.
18:00 The evening is reserved for a visit to theMariinsky Theatre, to enjoy a ballet or an operaperformanceofworldclass.
22:30 Supper at the Restaurant Taleon Club,locatedinthestunningpalatialinterioroftheformerEliseevMansion.
DAY 09: DEPARTURE FROM ST. PETERSBURG
Transfertotheairport,departure.
Including: 4 overnights in superior room in Moscow, 4 overnights in a superior room in St. Petersburg, 8 x sumptuous buffet breakfast, 7 x exquisite 3 course lunches, 2 x 4-course haute cuisine dinners, 1 x 3-cour-se dinner on train, all transfers, sightseeing tours and excursions with private car and guide, entrance to Moscow Kremlin with Amory Museum, Kuskovo Estate, Tretyakov Gallery, Romanov Palace Chambers, Novo-devichy Convent, Hermitage Museum with Gold Treasure, Peter & Paul Fortress, Cathe-rine’s Palace with Amber Room, Pavlovsk Palace Park, Peterhof with Grand Palace and Monplaisir Palace, Yusupov Palace with Rasputin Room, private horse-drawn car-riage ride at Pavlovsk Palace Park, tickets to Mariinsky Theater, 1st class ticket with Sapsan high-speed train Moscow-St. Peters-burg, portage at hotels and railway stations and Russian passport registration fee.
Historical Notes
Peterhof was the summer residence of Peter the Great. With its palaces and nu-merous beautiful fountains and statues it is a true “Versailles” by the sea. Its wonderful parks, its flamboyant fountains in various forms and styles including four sweeping cascades, majestic palaces, gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes and vast collections of sculptures, paintings and works of the mi-nor arts make Peterhof an uncontested gem.
Opened in 1860, the Mariinsky Theatre became the preeminent music theatre of late 19th cen-tury Russia, where many masterpieces of the stage of Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky and Rim-sky-Korsakov received their premieres. Today it still enjoys a reputation for being one of the best theatres in the world.
The Yusupov Palace belonged to the Yusupov family whose wealth was said to exceed even that of the imperial family. One winter’s night in 1916, Count Felix Yusupov invited Grigory Rasputin, the Siberian monk and favourite of the Tsarina, to dinner, then poisoned and shot him, an event that signalled the down-fall of the Romanov dynasty.
THE BALTIC COUNTRIES - MEDIEVAL AND MODERN
TALLINN (2) – TARTU (1) – RIGA (2) – KAUNAS (1) –
VILNIUS (2)
The cities of the Baltic countries were some of the wealthiest and
most important cities in medieval northern Europe. Estonia and
Latvia can boast a glorious Hanseatic and Livonian legacy, while
Lithuania was a vital component of the biggest state in medieval
Europe, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. However, for most of
the 19th and 20th centuries interrupted only by the interwar period,
the Baltic countries were forgotten treasures incorporated into
Imperial Russia and later into the Soviet Union. Since the Bal-
tic countries regained their independence at the beginning of the
1990s, the cities have regained their past beauty and glory and have
recaptured their natural position on the European map. This tour
takes you on a thrilling journey through the three Baltic countries’ millen-
nium of history with remarkable contrasts between the medieval past and
the modern present and with plenty of beautiful unspoiled country-
side in between.
DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN TALLINN
Arrival in Tallinn. Transfer for a 2-night stay in asuperiorroomattheHotel Telegraaf***** (Small Luxury Hotels of the World),check-in.
DAY 02: TALLINN
09:00 – 13:00ThemorningtouroftheOld Towntakesyouoversevencenturiesbackintime,aroundthemedievalcitywallsandtowersandintotheUpperTowntoToompeaCastleandSt.Mary’sChurch,thendown to the Lower Town, where you will visit themedievalOld Town HallandtheGreat Guild Hall,thehistoricalhomeoftheGreatGuild,themostpower-ful of Tallinn’s medieval guilds. The tour concludeswithaprivate visit to the Dominican Monastery.
13:00 Lunch at Restaurant Balthasar, deliciousEstonianandinternationalcuisineinthebuildingofthemedievalTownHallPharmacy,overlookingthemedievalOldTownHall.
14:30 – 18:00 The afternoon tour continuesthroughhistorytotheRussianperiodandthe18thcenturyforavisittoKadriorg Park and Palace.Theremainderof theafternoonbringsyouback to thepresentwithavisittotheKumu Art Museum.
20:00Dinner at Restaurant Gloria,Estonianhautecuisineatanexclusiverestaurantinapre-warsetting.
DAY 03: TALLINN – LAHEMAA – TARTU
09:00 In themorning you leave for the LahemaaNational Park. After a visit to Palmse Manor, amemorial to the von Prahlen family, and Sagadi Manor,a17thcenturymanorwithabeautifulmanorhouse,youcontinuetothetranquilityandromanceof thecharming16thcenturyVihula Manor foratour of the estate andaprivate visit to theVodka Museum.
13:00Lunch at Restaurant La Boheme,traditionalEstonianmanorcuisineat thehistoricalBallRoomoftheMainManorHouseoverlookingthebeautifulManorPark.
14:30FromVihulayouwillcontinueyourjourneythrough scenic north-eastern Estonian landscapestowardsTartu.
17.00 Arrival and check-in for a 1-night stay in asuperiorroomattheHotel Antonius****.
DAY 04: TARTU – CESIS – RIGA
10:00DuringthemorningsightseeingtouryouwillvisittheOld TownwiththeOld Town HallandtheMain Building of Tartu University.
12:00 Lunch at Restaurant Werner, refinedEstonian cuisine in the favorite eatery of Tartu’sintellectual elite andofmany famouswriters andpoets.
13:30 Thetourcontinuesthroughtherollinglandsca-pesofsouthernEstoniaandnorthernLatviatoCesis.
Historical Notes
Tallinn was founded back in the 12th century as a Danish city and, under the name of Reval, it became a leading member of the Hanseatic League, an alliance of German, Scandinavian and Baltic cities controlling Baltic Sea trade in the late medieval era. Tallinn undoubtedly has the best preserved medieval Old Town in all of northern Europe.
Tartu is the second largest city in Estonia and is considered an intellectual and cultural hub, because it is home to Tartu University, the oldest and most renowned university in the Baltic countries. The university was founded in 1632 by the Swedish King Gustav Adolf during the more than 200 years of Swedish rule over Estonia in the 17th-18th centuries.
Peter the Great envied the ice-free Baltic ports and the Great Northern war led to a total Russian conquest of the Baltic countries at the begining of the 18th century. Estonia became a part of Imperial Russia until the end of WWI. The Kadriorg Palace is a delightful little palace in the Baroque style built by Peter the Great for his wife Catherine. The museum features a diverse collection of Estonian art from the Golden Age.
Most Estonians and all foreigners were forbid-den to enter the Lahemaa National Park in the Soviet times due to its proximity to the Baltic sea. The Estonians managed to get the park classified as a protected area in 1971. Today it is the prime excursion option from Tallinn, offering a blend of unspoiled flora and fauna, pristine lakes and streams, quaint little coastal villages, sandy beaches and old German-style manor houses.
After Estonia regained independence in 1991, a great effort was made to restore Estonian cul-ture. The new and innovative high-tech Kumu Art Museum serves as both a national gallery and a museum of contemporary art, showing off the latest trends in fine art. It received the European Museum of the Year Award in 2008.
PROGRAM
16:00AtouroftheOld Town takesyoutothe13thcentury St. John’s Church and the ruins of theCastle of the Livonian Order.
17:30 The balance of the day is spent on a veryscenictourthroughtheGaujaNationalParktotheLatviancapital,Riga.
19:30ArrivalinRigaandcheck-infora2-nightstayinasuperiorroomattheHotel Grand Palace***** (Leading Small Hotels of the World).
DAY 05: RIGA
09:00 – 13:00Duringthemorningcitytouryouwillgetacquaintedwithallthesplendorsofthecity:theOldTownwithRigaCastle, St. Peter’sChurch,theDome Cathedral, the Three Brothers and theSwedish Gate. You will pay a private visit to theSmall Guild House and finally, to taste the fla-voursofthecity,youareinvitedtoadegustation of the traditional Riga Black Balsam and Riga Chocolate.
13:00 Lunch at Restaurant La Boheme, Latviannouvelle cuisine at a stylish opera-themed restau-rantintheArtNouveaudistrict.
14:30 – 17:00ThisafternoonyouwillvisittheNewTownandtourtheamazingArtNouveaudistrictandvisittheRiga Art Nouveau Museum,whichoffersanimpressionofanartnouveauapartmentdesignedinthefirstyearsofthe20thcentury.Thetourcon-tinueswithaprivate backstage visit at the Latvia National Opera.
20:00 Dinner at Restaurant Vincents, anexclusive gourmet grotto and celebrity hauntoffering exquisite international cuisine with aLatviantouch.
Historical Notes
Riga, founded in 1201 by the German Bishop Albert, was another important Hanseatic city and continued to flourish in the 17th-19th centuries. The significant foreign influence on Riga has left a legacy that is still very visible in the kaleidoscope of architectural styles from Gothic to Renaissance to Art Nouveau and even English Tudor style, all of which charac-terise the Old Town.
Bishop Albert founded the Livonian Order and during the Livonian crusade in the early 13th century the order colonized ancient Livonia, present-day Latvia and Estonia. The Livonian Order set up its headquarters in Cesis and under German rule Estonian and Latvian cities thrived as members of the Hanseatic League.
In the 16th century, to prevent Russian rule the aristocracy of western Latvia established the Duchy of Courland, owing its allegiance to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The Duchy of Courland existed for over 200 years and was a mighty naval power with colonies as far as Trinidad and Tobago. The Duke of Courland Ernst von Biron was a favourite of Empress Anna of Russia and he managed to persuade her to commission the Italian star architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli to build his magnificent summer place in the mid-18th century. After Courland was absorbed by Imperial Russia in 1795, Catherine the Great presented the palace to her lover, Prince Zubov.
Following centuries of foreign influence the emerging Latvian bourgeoisie started by the middle of the 19th century to strengthen Latvia’s national identity. The New Town in Riga, the Art Nouveau District and the Nation-al Latvian Opera were built during this time.
By the beginning of the 20th century Riga was swept away by a style of architecture and liv-ing inspired by longing for creative freedom and daring opulence: Art Nouveau. Forty per cent of buildings in the centre of Riga belong to Art Nouveau, which is more than in any other European city.
DAY 06: RIGA – RUNDALE - KAUNAS
10:00 Today you will visit the Baroque-styleRundale Palace, the most magnificent palace inthe Baltic countries. Of particular interest are theGolden Hall (the Throne Hall) and theWhite Hall(the Grand Ballroom). Behind the palace you willfindabeautifulFrenchgarden.
13.00Private lunch at Rundale Palace,traditionalLatvianlunchintheCoffeeChamber.
14:30 The tour continues into Lithuania. The first
DAY 07: KAUNAS – TRAKAI - VILNIUS
09:00 – 12:00ThemorningsightseeingtourtakesyoutotheOld Town,hometothemedievalruinsofKaunasCastleaswellastheTownHallSquarewithitsbeautifulBaroqueOld Town Hall,KaunasCathedralandtheHouseofPerkunas.Thetourconcludeswitha visit to theCiurlionis Museum, commemoratingLithuania’smostfamouspainterandcomposer.
12:00 Departing from Kaunas, you will headtowardstheenchantingtownofTrakai.
Including: 2 overnights in a superior room in Tallinn, 1 overnight in a superior room in Tartu, 2 overnights in a superior room in Riga, 1 overnights in a superior room in Kaunas, 2 overnights in a superior room in Vilnius, 8 x sumptuous buffet breakfast, 7 x exquisite 3 course lunches, 3 x 4-course haute cuisine dinners, all transfers, sightseeing tours and excursions with private car and guide, ent-rance to Tallinn Old Town Hall, Great Guild Hall, Dominican Monastery, Kadriorg Palace and Park, Kumu Art Museum, Palmse Manor, Sagadi Manor, Vihula Manor Vodka Museum, Tartu Old Town Hall, Tartu University, St. John’s Church, Castle of the Livonian Order, Dome Cathedral, Small Guild House, Riga Art Nouveau Museum, Latvian National Opera, Rundale Palace , Kaunas Old Town Hall, Ciur-lionis Museum, Trakai Castle, Vilnius Cathed-ral, Gates of Dawn, Old University Library, KGB-Museum, degustation of Riga Black Balsam and Riga chocolate and portage at hotels.
Historical Notes
According to legend Vilnius was founded in 1323 by Grand Duke Gediminas, progenitor of the Gediminas Dynasty, which ruled Lithuania and later the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth for over 250 years.
Lithuania celebrated its millennial statehood anniversary in 2009. It is remarkable that the Lithuanians managed not only to avoid foreign subjugation but metamorphosed into one of the great powers of medieval Europe. A Royal Union with Poland was established in 1386 when the Lithuanian Grand Duke Jogaila was crowned as Polish King Wydaslaw II Jagiello in Cracow. In the 15th century, Lithuania flourished and expanded under Grand Duke Vytautas to reach its great-est extent stretching from the Baltic Sea in the west, Livonia in the north, 150 km short of Mos-cow to the east and all the way through most of present-day Ukraine to the Black Sea in the south. By the mid-16th century, the Royal Un-ion between Lithuania and Poland developed into a full union of states, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Dating back to the 12th century, Trakai was the medieval capital of Lithuania and during the reign of Grand Duke Vytautas the Great the town was transformed into one of the strongest fortresses in Europe
Kaunas was initially established as a strong-hold against the Teutonic Knights and it be-came an important city for the Lithuanian Grand Duchy following a decisive battle at Zal-giris in 1410. Centuries later, when Vilnius fell to Poland as a result of the territorial adjustments after WWI, it was Kaunas, the second-largest city, which became the capital of the new Lithuanian Republic.
The Lithuanian-Polish Commonwealth was even-tually carved up by the European superpowers at the end of the 18th century and Lithuania became a part of Imperial Russia. After a period of fondly remembered independence between the two world wars the country was occupied by the Soviet Union. As a result of Gorbachov’s perestroika policy the winds of change swept through the Baltic countries in the late 1980s and finally Lithuania together with the two oth-er Baltic countries regained its independence in the dramatic summer of 1991.
stop is theHillofCrossesnearSiauliai,oneof theholiestrelicsofCatholicLithuania.AfterwardsyouwillcontinuetowardsKaunas.
17.00 Arrival and check-in for a 1-night stay in asuperiorroomattheHotel Daugirdas****.
13.00Lunch at the Lake Stone Residence, tradi-tionalLithuaniancuisineatabusinessclubbuiltintraditional Lithuanian style and located in apictu-resquevalleyamidthreelakes.
15.00ThehighlightofthesightseeingtourofthissmalltownisavisittoTrakai Castle,awellpreserved15thcenturycastlebeautifullylocatedonLakeGalves.
16:30 From Trakai it is only a short ride to thepresent-dayLithuaniancapital,Vilnius.
17:00 Arrival and check-in for a 2-night stay in asuperiorroomattheHotel Stikliai***** (Relais & Chateaux).
DAY 08: VILNIUS
09:00 – 13:00ThemorningsightseeingtourtakesyouthroughcenturiesofLithuanianhistorystartingwith thesightsrelated toearlyLithuanianhistory:theGediminas Tower and the LowerCastle,whichwas rebuilt for Lithuania’smillennial celebrations,Vilnius CathedralandintotheOld TownwiththeGates of Dawn and the Madonna of Vilnius andtheOldTownHall.ThetourcontinueswithavisittotheOldUniversityincludingaprivate visit to the Old University Library.
13:00 Lunch at Restaurant Zuvine, Lithuaniansea-foodinanelegantrestaurantsetwithinthe18thcenturyneoclassicalOldTownHall.
14.30 – 17.00Theafternoontourfeaturestheland-marksof theroad to independencestartingwithavisittotheinfamousKGB MuseumandcontinuingwithavisittotheSoviet-eraTVTowerandthePar-liamentBuilding,bothofwhichwereat thecentreof the dramatic events of January 1991. The tour
concludeswithavisittothebohemianUzupis Dist-rict,apicturesqueareaofthecity,wherestudents,artists and free-spirited dreamers enjoy their owncreativeindependence.
20.00 Dinner at Restaurant Stikliai, candleli-ght dinner in the prestigious glass roof coveredcourtyardrestaurantofthehotel.
DAY 09: DEPARTURE FROM VILNIUS
Transfertotheairport,departure.
THE FORMATION OF POLAND
WARSAW (3) - Cracow (3)
Forever sandwiched between powerful neighbours, Poland has
defended its freedom and sovereignty on innumerable occasions over
the centuries, only to be overrun and subjugated to occupation by
foreign powers time and time again. It went in the 18th century from
being the biggest state in Europe to completely disappearing off the
world map. Yet it is testament to the astounding resilience of the
Polish people that Poland has not only bounced back from every crush-
ing blow but has also had the energy to hold strong to its own culture
and spirit. We invite you on an unforgettable journey to the coun-
try of Fryderyk Chopin, Adam Mickiewicz, John Paul II and many other
remarkable Poles who have played an important role in the formation
of Polish national identity.
DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN WARSAW
Arrival in Warsaw. Transfer for a 3-night stayin an executive room at the Hotel Le Meridien Bristol*****, check-in. Champagne and strawber-riesuponarrival.
20:00 Dinner at Restaurant Polska Rozana,Polishhautecuisineinaromanticvillawithantiquefurnishingsandliberalsprinklingsofflowers.
DAY 02: WARSAW09:00 – 13:00 The morning sightseeing tourincludes a visit to the Old Town and the Royal Castle,whereyouwillvisittheKing’sApartmentswithallthesplendoursofthecastle,St.John’sCa-thedral,theOldTownMarketSquareandtheBar-bican.YouwillalsovisittheMickiewicz Museum of Literature, commemorating AdamMickiewicz,thegreatestPolishpoet.AfterwardsyouwilltravelalongtheRoyal RoutetotheRoyal Lazienki Parkand thePalace on the Water.During the visit to
PROGRAMthe park you are invited for a shortprivate ride in a gondolaonLazienkiLake,nexttothefamousPalaceontheWater.
13:00Lunch at Restaurant Belvedere,tradition-al Polish cuisine in a delightful and classy res-taurant locatedintheNewOrangeryof theRoyalLazienkiPark.
14:30 – 17:00YouwillnowcontinuetotheWilanow Palace, theroyalsummerresidenceofKingJanIIISobieskiandhisbelovedMarieCasimire.Thehigh-lightsofthepalacearethe2-storeyGrandEntranceHall, the Grand Dining Room and the Gallery ofPolishPortraits.BeforeyougobacktothehotelyouwillvisitWedel’s Chocolate Loungetodrinkchoco-lateandtasteanoriginalsweetdessert.
DAY 03: WARSAW
09:00 – 15:00 Today you will follow in thesteps of Fryderyk Chopin, the most distinguishedPolish composer as well as a leading pianist andrepresentativeofthemusicoftheRomanticperiod.The excursion will take you to the tranquillity ofZelazowa Wola to visit the house where the fa-mouscomposerwasbornin1810andtothenearbyBrochow Church, wherehewasbaptized.
PROGRAM
Historical Notes
Annihilated during WWII, then re-emerging like a phoenix from the ashes, Warsaw is essentially a post-war city with a meticu-lously reconstructed Old Town. However, it was already at the beginning of the 14th century that the Dukes of Mazovia built a stronghold at the place where the Royal Castle stands today. In 1596, when King Zygmunt III Waza decided to move the Polish-Lithuanian capital from Cracow to Warsaw, the Royal Castle was greatly exten-ded and became the seat of the kings and of the Sejm, the Polish parliament.
It was love at first sight between the French beauty Marie Casimire and King Jan III Sobi-eski. At the time Jan was 27 and Marie was 15. They married in 1665 and remained pas-sionately in love for the rest of their lives. The origins of the Wilanow Palace date back to 1677, when Jan III Sobieski bought the land and set about turning the existing manor house into an Italian Baroque villa suitable for a royal family. Over the centuries the pa-lace changed hands several times with each owner extending and remodelling it and thus the Wilanow Palace has acquired a variety of styles from Baroque to Neoclassical.
In 1764, the Lazienki gardens were acquired by King Stanisław August Poniatowski, who developed classicist-style gardens and his palace located on the lake was named the Palace on the Water.
The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was the biggest state in medieval Europe, but it declined during the 18th century and went through three partitions. In 1795, the last part of the doomed state was eventually car-ved up and Poland did not exist as a country for over a century. However, despite repres-sion Poland continued to exist in a cultural and spiritual sense and the 19th century was characterised by rebellions and insurrections and by a new national awakening.
Historical Notes
For almost 200 years the Grand Theatre has been Poland’s grandest opera and ballet theatre. It was built in 1825-1833 to a design by the Italian architect Antonio Corazzi of Livorno. The theatre was bombed during the siege of Warsaw in 1939 and almost comp-letely destroyed. Only the original classicist façade survived. After the war, reconstruction and expansion work continued until the mid-1960s.
Wedel is Poland’s oldest chocolate brand and one of the oldest Polish brands still in existence. Its founder, Karol Wedel, was a pioneer in the field – his chocolate factory, established in 1851, was the first such facility in Poland. For over 150 years it has been as-sociated with genuine and original chocolate.
Poland is a strongly religious country and the Roman Catholic Church has traditionally had a firm grip over Polish society and played a significant role in preserving national Polish identity, especially during the 18th century and communist rule after WWII. Czestoc-howa’s emergence as Poland’s spiritual ca-pital began with the arrival of the Pauline Order from Hungary in 14th century. The or-der named the hill in the western part of the city Jasna Gora – Bright Hill – and erected a monastery on the top. Still today believers in their millions are drawn to the site for the miracles credited to the Black Madonna pain-ting.
For half a millennium, Cracow was the royal capital of Poland and for centuries the city walls have guarded its traditions and secrets. Cracow became the capital of the Piast Kin-gdom back in 1038 and the city thrived over the coming centuries until it reached its peak in the 16th century during the Renaissance, Poland’s Golden Age. However, when Warsaw became the capital of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1596 it brought this good fortune to an end. Yet today no other city in Poland has as many historical buildings and such extensive art collections as Cracow.
19:00 The evening is reserved for a visit to aperformanceattheGrand Theatre.
21:30 Supper at Restaurant Nowa La Boheme,exquisiteinternationalandPolishcuisineinastyl-ish restaurant located within the building of theGrandTheatre.
DAY 04: WARSAW – CZESTOCHOWA- CRACOW
09:00 Through the flat low-laying plain of cen-tralPolandyoutravelsouthboundtoCzestochowa,the country’s spiritual heart, to visit the Paul-ine Monastery of Jasna Gora with the Black Madonna.
15:30 After a lunch break you will continue toCracow.
17:00 Arrival and check-in for a 3-night stay in adeluxeroomattheHotel Sheraton Cracow*****.Champagneandstrawberriesuponarrival.
20:00 Dinner at Restaurant Amadeus, classicPolishcuisinetakentonewheightsinthesumptu-oussurroundingsofarestored17thcenturybuild-inginthehistoricalcentre.
Including: 3 overnights in an executive room in Warsaw, 3 overnights in a deluxe room in Cracow, 6 x sumptuous buffet breakfast, 2 x exquisite 3-course lunches, 4 x 4-course haute cuisine dinners, all transfers, sight-seeing tours and excursions with private car and guide, entrance to the Royal Castle in Warsaw, Adam Mickiewicz Museum, Royal Lazienki Park and Palace on the Water, Wilanow Palace, Zelazowa Wola, Broc-how Church, Jasna Gora Monastery, Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church, Wawel Royal Castle, Wawel Cathedral, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Czartoryski Museum, private Gondola ride, visit to Wedel’s Chocolate Lounge, tickets to the Grand Theather in Warsaw, horse-drawn transfer to dinner at Restaurant Wierzynek, portage at hotels.
DAY 06: CRACOW
09:00–13:00TodayyouwillembarkonanunusualescapadetotheWieliczka Salt Mine.Youwillvisita3.5-kilometresectionof thesaltmine locatedbe-tween64and135metresbelowgroundlevelbeforeyoureturntoCracow.
15:00–18:00YouwillvisittheCzartoryski Muse-um,arealjewelamongmuseumswithitspricelessmasterpiece“Lady with the Ermine” by Leonardo da Vinci.
20:00 A private ride in a horse-drawn carriage to dinner at Restaurant Wierzynek, anexclusiverestaurantontheOldMarketSquare,famousforitslong tradition of excellence in Polish and interna-tionalcuisine.
DAY 07: DEPARTURE FROM CRACOW
AfarewellPolishsouvenirtotakeawaywithyouforyourgreatmemoriesofPoland.
Transfertotheairport,departure.
Historical Notes
Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral are the very symbols of Poland’s national iden-tity. The original rather small castle was built in the early 11th century by King Boleslaw Chrobry beside a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. King Kazimierz Wielki turned it into a formidable Gothic castle, but when it burned down in 1499 King Zygmunt Stary commissioned a new residence. Within 30 years, a splendid Renaissance palace desig-ned by Italian architects was in place.
Wawel Cathedral is in fact the third cathedral to have been built at this site. The first two burned down and the present-day cathedral is a Gothic structure dating from the 14th century. On 20 January 1320, the coronation ceremony took place of King Władysław I Łokietek, who unified the Polish state. From that time on, the most important sta-te ceremonies – the coronations, weddings, baptisms and funeral ceremonies of Polish royalty – were celebrated at Wawel Cathed-ral’s High Altar. The history of the Cracow Diocese and its main church reached another culmination with the election of its host, Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, to the Holy See as Pope John Paul II.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is the oldest salt enterprise on Polish land dating back to the Middle Ages. Several hundred years of rock salt exploitation have shaped the spatial ar-rangement of its excavated structure. Lying on nine levels, concealed under the town, the mine reaches down to a depth of 327 metres. Subterranean Wieliczka consists of nearly 300 kilometres of corridors and al-most 3,000 chambers.
The Czartoryski Museum was originally es-tablished in 1800 in Pulawy by Princess Izabela Czartoryska as the first historical mu-seum in Poland, the collection was secretly moved to Paris after the November Insurrec-tion of 1830 and in the 1870s it was brought to Cracow.
DAY 05: CRACOW
09:00–12:00 Themorningsightseeingtourtakesyou to the Old Town with the Old Town MarketSquare,theCloth Halldatingbacktothe14thcen-tury, St. Mary’s Church with its medieval altarmadebyWitStwoszandtheJagiellonianUniversity.
13:00 Lunch at Restaurant Tetmajerowska, topquality Polish cuisine in an elegant setting on thefirstfloorofthehistoricSpiskiPalace.
13:30–17:00 During the visit to Wawel Royal Castleyouwillseethestateroomsandguestapart-mentsonthesecondfloorandtheircollectionsofprice-lesstapestries,paintingsandfurniture;theEagleRoom,aformalroomwhereduringsessionsoftheSeymatWawelmonarchsheldaroyallawcourt,theSenator’sHall,designatedforsessionsoftheSenateandimpor-tantstateandcourtceremoniesandtheEnvoy’sRoom.
Once inside theWawel Cathedral you are lost inamaze of sarcophagi, tombstones and altarpieces.You will see the beautiful Zygmund Chapel, theLeonard’sCrypt,aremnantofthe12thcenturyRo-manesquecathedral,theRoyalCryptwiththekingsandnationalheroesofPolandandthePoets’CryptwhereAdamMickiewiczisburied.
VOLGA DREAM CRUISE
ST. PETERSBURG – MOSCOW • MOSCOW – ASTRAKHAN
There is no cruise like a Volga cruise. No cruise that places you so
completely in another place and another time. Europe’s long-
est and largest river stretches through the times of the Gold-
en Horde and Ivan the Terrible to Peter the Great and Cath-
erine the Great and on into today, where life along
Russia’s central artery looks very much like it always has – the monas-
teries, the churches, the villages, the nature, the people, all comprising
scenes from an old painting you could swear you’ve seen before in an
art gallery.
TheboutiqueVOLGADREAM indulges passengersin tsarist-era luxury,placing the ship ina classofits own on the waterway.With 60 crewmembersand a capacity of just over 100 passengers, theshiphasthehighestcrew-to-passengerratioontheriver.With so fewguestsamid the ship’s spaciousarrangements, it feels likesailingaboardaprivateyacht.Russia’s first luxury riverboat, featuringop-ulentfurnishings,thelatesttechnologyandsuperi-or service, offerswhat no other ship on theVolgacan: cosmopolitan luxury and comfort amid thegreaterruralsurroundings.
TECHNICAL DATA
Year built 1959Year refurbished 2007Passengers max. 109Crew approx. 60Overall length 96 m / 314 ftOverall width 14.5 m / 48 ftDraft 2.5 m / 8.2 ftMax. speed 3.5 knotsDisplacement 1,473 tonnesElectrical voltage 220 V
ONBOARD FACILITIES
• Single seating dining room with rich choice of Russian and European dishes • Neva Lounge and Bar with live music• Ladoga Bar with Plantation Teak deck furniture• Tea and coffee station (24 hours)• Boutique with folk craft items• Barber and hairdresser• Fitness centre• Sauna and massage room• Laundry • First aid
RUSSIAN CRUISE LIFE
Enjoy majestic river views from the com-fort of a leather armoire in the elegant wood-panelled lounge. Relax with cock-tails, champagne and live piano music in the bar in the evening, and during the day you are welcome to join for afternoon tea served from an authentic Russian samovar.
Meanwhile, in the peaceful library you can pick up a book to read, challenge a friend to a game of chess or bridge, or take advan-tage of the internet access point to keep in touch with friends and family back home.
OPEN DECK
Watch the spectacular colours of Russia’s famous dazzling onion-domed churches float past as you unwind on the sun deck’s Plantation Teak furniture.
In good weather you will be invited to sump-tuous barbeques while enjoying the sun. In the evening highly-skilled barmen are on hand to mix you that perfect cocktail to en-joy while you watch the sun set and wait for hundreds of stars to fill the sky.
SUN DECK Stateroom Size (sq.ft / sq.m)DeluxeJuniorSuite 402,403,404 170/15.8
JuniorSuite 405 141/13.1
SuperiorStateroom 406-409,411,412 126/11.7
DeluxeSingle 210 81/7.5
CABIN DECK Stateroom Size (sq.ft / sq.m)StandardStateroom 101-108 101/9.4
MAIN DECK Stateroom Size (sq.ft / sq.m)SuperiorStateroom 201-210 114/10.6
PROMENADE DECK Stateroom Size (sq.ft / sq.m)Owner’sSuite 300 260/24.2
JuniorSuite 316 158/14.7
DeluxeStateroom 301-315,317-324 122/11.3
Single 325,326 69/6.4
VOLGA DREAMACCOMMODATION • DECK PLAN
TheVOLGADREAMhas56comfortablecabinssetacross fourdecks.Categories range fromStandardStaterooms on the Cabin Deck to Superior State-roomson theMainDeck.Ontheupper twodecks,with thenamesPromenadeandSun,youwill findDeluxeStateroomsandSuites.
Eachcabinfeaturesabathroomwithseparateglassshowerandisequippedwithindividuallycontrolledairconditioning,mini-bar,safe,flat-screensatellite-TV,internationaldirect-dialtelephone,220-voltout-let,hairdryer,slippersandbathrobes.
All stateroomshave outside views and feature ei-therawindoworporthole(CabinDeck).Windowscanbeopened.
Ladoga bar
Reception Restaurant
Neva Lounge Library
RUSSIAN ACTIVITIES
The idyllic landscape of the Volga River has inspired Russians for generations, so there is no better place to search for the heart and soul of Russian traditions and culture than when sailing down the Volga.
BEHIND THE SCENES
VOLGA DREAM has a highly profession-al crew of 60 personnel who take pride in their work and will be delighted to show you what life is like behind the scenes on the ship. During the cruise you will have the opportunity to visit the kitchen to watch the executive chef reveal the secrets of his trade, enjoy a cocktail show by a profes-sional cocktail master, meet the Captain up on the bridge and go right into the heart of the ship – the engine rooms.
ST. PETERSBURG - MOSCOW
Through a dizzying array of canals and locks, theRiver Volga is now the linchpin of a single wa-ter system linking Moscow and St. Petersburg tofive seas. The Moscow-St. Petersburg cruises plythe Upper Volga and the waterways of NorthernRussia,acquaintingyouwithRussia’stwometropoles:Moscow,themotherofRussia–agenuineRussiancitywithonion-domedcathedralswhichinthelasttwodecadeshasturnedintooneofthemostdynamiccitiesintheworld–andSt.Petersburg,theVeniceoftheNorthwithitsmanycanalsandworld-famousimperial palaces, museums and theatres. TherearealsotheancientcitiesofGoritsy,YaroslavlandUglich, lakes Ladoga and Onega and endless un-touchedRussianlandscapes.AcruiseontheUpperVolga offers a rare glimpse into Russia’s colourfulpastandenterprisingfuture.
CRUISING THE VOLGA
MOSCOW – ASTRAKHAN
The mighty Volga basin witnessed many decisiveeventsinthehistoryoftheRussianstate:theemer-genceoftheGoldenHorde,IvantheTerrible’sover-throwof thekhans, the rebellionsofStepanRazinandEmeljanPugachevandthegreatbattlesofWorldWarII.TheLowerVolga,runningsouthdowntotheCaspianSea, is an area of outstandingbeauty andis largelyunexplored by tourists. The LowerVolgacruises commence in the Russian capital Moscowand take you to the ancient cities of Jaroslavl andNizhnyNovgorod,theTatarcapitalofKazanandthefascinating cities of southern Russia: the industri-al and commercial centres of Samara and Saratovwith powerful historical legacies, the hero-city ofVolgogradandAstrakhan in theVolgaRiverDelta,anancientcityknownfor itsculturalheritageanditscaviarindustry.
As guest of honour you will be welcomed on board in the best Russian traditions by ladies in local dress who will bring you good luck with Russian Bread & Salt.
To get around Russia you really need to know the Cyrillic alphabet. You will learn how to read Russian words and even how to sing famous Russian songs.
Julie Christie, Omar Sharif, Audrey Hep-burn and Henry Fonda – watch the greats starring in Oscar-winning films set in Rus-sia such as Doctor Zhivago and War and Peace on your private flat-screen TV.
How to tell if your Russian souvenirs are the real deal? A Russian fine arts and crafts expert will tell you all the secrets of traditional Russian crafts and show you how to care for them.
Get active in the kitchen and take home some traditional Russian recipes and in-sider tricks from cooking classes.
Show off your Russian furs and scarves at a Russian dinner party.
Learn more about the Russian tsars and Russia’s turbulent imperial history while watching an award-winning BBC docu-mentary on the big screen.
And last but not least, in Russia there’s nothing more traditional than vodka, and you will learn how to enjoy Russian vodka the authentic way.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
WINING AND DINING
VOLGA DREAM offers the best in tradition-al Russian cuisine and international fine dining, extraordinary personal service and attention to detail, making every meal feel like a gastronomic experience of its own.
At breakfast there is a choice of continen-tal, American and Russian options. Enjoy Russian pancakes with homemade jams, fresh pastries, or a selection of continental meats and cheeses with crispy fresh bread. Or perhaps you’d like a made-to-order omelette or eggs benedict? Accompanied by freshly squeezed juices, fresh fruits, yoghurts and mueslis and of course freshly brewed coffee you’ll feel ready to face the day ahead.
Every day, a delightful buffet lunch is served with dishes inspired by the local produce bought onshore that day. On sunny days you are invited up on the Sun Deck to en-joy al fresco dining and a barbeque lunch as we sail off down the beautiful Volga to our next destination.
However, the main event is the a la carte evening dinner. Taking a different theme every day, our chefs bring fine dining to your table night after night. From fresh-ly steamed sturgeon to a rack of lamb or steak au poivoire, tiger prawns and authen-tic Russian beef stroganoff, every meal is a chance to marvel at the culinary excellence of an innovative kitchen and the excellent seafood available close to Russia’s longest river.
At lunch and dinner a choice of red or white wines is served, complimentary with your meal. For those wishing something more special, the Maitre D’ will be glad to offer a selection of fine wines.
Free teas, coffee, juices and cookies are available 24 hours a day, so you never need to wait a moment to enjoy the breathtaking views with a refreshing drink and snack.
VOLGA DREAM GOLD PROGRAM
The 11-day VOLGA DREAM GOLD program com-binesthebestofMoscowandSt.Petersburgandadeluxe cruise on the River Volga. This journey isidealforindividualtravellersandsmallgroupslook-ingtoexploreboththeRussiancountrysideandthetreasuresofRussia’sgrandestcitiesingroupsofnomorethan25persons.Thetourinclude6nightsonVOLGADREAM, 2nights inMoscow and3nightsin St. Petersburgwith accommodation at centrallylocated5-starhotelsinbothcities.Acomprehensiveexcursion program takes in the highlights of bothcitiesincludingtheKremlinwithitscathedralsandArmouryandtheTretyakovGalleryinMoscow,andthe Hermitage Museum and imperial palaces atPeterhofandTsarskoyeSeloinSt.Petersburg.
VOLGA DREAM PLATINUM PROGRAM
The 11-day VOLGA DREAM PLATINUM programcatersforthosediscerningtravellerswhoprefertotravelprivatelyorinanintimategroupofnomore
than 15 persons. The tour includes 6 nights onVOLGADREAM, 2nights inMoscow and3nightsinSt.Petersburgwithaccommodationatthefinest5-starhotelsinbothcities.Extensivetouringofthemostbreathtaking sites inboth cities includes theKremlinwith itsArmouryandDiamondFundandthe Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, as well as theHermitageMuseumwithitsGoldTreasureandtheimperialpalaces inPeterhofandTsarskoyeSelo inSt.Petersburg.
OPTIONAL PROGRAM
YoucanonboththePlatinumandGoldprogramsor-deroptionalprograminMoscowandSt.Petersburg,suchasavisittotheBolshoiandMariinskytheatres,“MoscowbyNight”,aNevaCruise,afolkloreshowattheNikolaevskyPalaceandmuchmore.
PRE-TOURS
Onselecteddeparturesyoucanbookanexcitingpre-tour extension to Latvia, Estonia and Finland. ThetourincludesvisitstothethreeBalticcapitals:Riga,TallinnandHelsinki.Allthreecapitalsarelocatedatthecrossroadsofwesternandeasterncivilisations.Withtheiruniquecombinationofcenturies-oldcul-ture and history and cutting-edge innovation thistour creates the perfect prelude to your Russianriver-cruiseadventure.
WELCOME ON BOARD
St Petersburg
Kizhi Island
Yaroslavl
Nizhny Novgorod
Kazan
Samara
Saratov
Volgograd
Moscow
RUSSIA
UKRAINE
Black Sea
Caspian Sea
Astrakhan
Goritsy
Uglich
Mandrogi
