| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cruising Aboard the 242-Passenger Novikov Priboy
July 30-August 12, 2005
Most notable of modern Russia is her renewed celebration of past wealth and potential for the future. Ancient cathedrals are being restored, colorful markets hum with activity, and literature and the arts are quickly regaining the prestige of decades past. Venerable cities, although rich in history and tradition, now flourish with enterprise under a new market-driven economy. Join us and experience the diversity of "Mother Russia." From enduring Moscow, cruise the Volga River through legendary waterways to Western-influenced St. Petersburg, on the Gulf of Finland. Reach forested islands amid blue lakes while sailing aboard the comfortable Novikov Priboy - escaping the hassle of packing and unpacking. Explore beyond tourism's reach in towns such as Uglich,Yaroslavl, and Mandrogi or at remote Kizhi Island. See the Russia others miss - the grand nation of Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, and Gogol - while getting to know her friendly people.
EXPLORING THE WATERWAYS OF RUSSIA
DAY 1 Depart U.S.A.
DAYS 2-4 Moscow, Russia (Embark)
Upon arrival, transfer to the Novikov Priboy, your floating hotel for the next 12 nights. Moscow has been Russia's capital since the reign of Ivan the Great (1462-1505), and at its center is the enduring Kremlin. A tour of its gilded onion-domed cathedrals also includes the noted Armory, which houses the opulent treasury of the Russian czars. On nearby Red Square, see Lenin's mausoleum and St. Basil's Cathedral, with its distinctive chapel designs. While in this marvelous city, also attend the Moscow Circus and take a ride on the Metro (subway system).
A shuttle to the city center is available during your afternoon at leisure. Perhaps stroll along pedestrian-only Arbat Street or visit GUM department store, a maze of imported and Russian goods.
DAY 5 Moscow/Cruising the Moscow-Volga Canal
Start the day off at the remodeled Tretyakov Art Gallery, where the display of masterworks includes the world's best collection of Russian icons.
Return to the ship and begin your cruise along the Moscow-Volga Canal, traveling through the first of our route's 16 locks. As we head for the Volga River, join the captain for a welcome reception and dinner.
DAY 6 Cruising the Volga River/Uglich
The scenic Volga, Europe's longest river and Russia's main artery, flows past medieval villages a world away from modern Moscow. Enjoy language lessons or a lively discussion by our guest speaker.
It was in the river town of Uglich that Ivan the Terrible's son, Dmitry, was murdered in 1591. On a walking tour, explore the waterside kremlin area and the Church of St.-Dmitry-on-the-Blood.
An INTRAV reception and Russian concert highlight your evening on board the Novikov Priboy.
DAY 7 Yaroslavl
Go ashore today at Yaroslavl, founded in the 11th century by Prince Yaroslav the Wise. See the Spassky Monastery complex and the Church of Elijah the Prophet in the town's bustling main square.
Our riverboat then continues along the Volga, through farmland and past small hamlets. Learn about Russia during both an afternoon lecture and folkloric show later tonight.
DAY 8 Cruising White Lake and the Volga-Baltic Canal
Join our onboard expert for another informative discussion while crossing immense Rybinsk Reservoir. Then sail upriver into White Lake, part of Russia's folklore since the eighth century.
Relax on the observation deck as we make our way through the Volga-Baltic Canal, part of the last link in the integral deepwater system of European Russia. You'll see church towers and remnants of ancient villages. Take in another lecture, test your knowledge of the Russian language, or, perhaps, join us for an authentic tea ceremony this afternoon.
DAY 9 Cruising Lake Onega/Kizhi Island
Transit the last lock before reaching Kizhi Island, where you'll explore an open-air collection of wooden architecture that spans the centuries.
Few of Russia's wooden churches remain, but two are found here on Kizhi: the towering Church of the Transfiguration - with its walls and 22 aspen cupolas, constructed entirely without nails - and the adjacent Church of the Intercession, where Orthodox services are still held.
As we enjoy a special shashlik and blini dinner, the Novikov Priboy sails back across Lake Onega.
DAY 10 Cruising the Svir River/Mandrogi/Cruising Lake Ladoga and the Neva River
Next, our ship follows the 139-milelong Svir River to quaint Mandrogi, sprinkled with dachas (country cottages). Here, you'll discover the intricacies of rural Russian life. Also find a small woodworking shop and a vodka museum.
Beaches indent Lake Ladoga, and its banks are overgrown with willows, alders, birches, and pines. Cruise from the lake's southern end into the great Neva River, which flows 40 miles to the heart of St. Petersburg. Celebrate at tonight's Russian dinner and reception.
DAYS 11-13 St. Petersburg
Peter the Great founded this grand city in 1703 when he cut two strips of soil from the earth and pronounced, "Here there shall be a city." Now Russia's second-largest metropolis, Peter's "window on the West" is a treasure trove of culture and history.
While here, join a tour of the Hermitage. It's estimated that one could spend days in the museum and see only a fraction of the nearly 3 million artworks (INTRAV has arranged entrance prior to the usual opening time). Also visit lavish Catherine's Palace in nearby Pushkin; the Peter and Paul Fortress, restingplace for many czars - including the ill-fated family of Nicholas II; and view the striking exterior of St. Isaac's Cathedral. In-depth exploration of Petrodvorets, the exquisite summer palace set dramatically on the Gulf of Finland, is sure to be a highlight!
The imperial capital comes to life on its wide avenues, as well as in its courtyard cafés. A shuttle is available for independent discoveries. Perhaps stroll Nevsky Prospekt, the pulse of this Western-influenced city. Also enjoy an exclusive ballet performance in the famous Hermitage Theatre and dine at Dacha Terem, delighting in the local cuisine and culture.
DAY 14 St. Petersburg (Disembark)/Return to U.S.A.
Disembark the Novikov Priboy and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the United States.
HELSINKI OPTIONAL EXTENSION*
RADISSON SAS PLAZA HOTEL • 3 Days/2 Nights
Explore beautiful Helsinki, set along the Gulf of Finland. Once an outpost of the Russian empire, this cosmopolitan port is the northernmost of continental Europe's capitals. From the calm of green parks and cobblestone streets to the bustle of fish markets, discover Helsinki's old-world charms during a city tour. $525 per person, double occupancy; $675 single occupancy
*Minimum number of passengers required to operate.
IMPORTANT
This is merely an announcement of the tour program of the Commonwealth Club of California. Please refer to individual tour folders/agencies for specific itineraries, tour inclusions, exclusions and responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of the tour participant to ascertain directly with the vendor agency of each program what the exact requirements, payment due dates and fees pertaining to each program are. A Commonwealth Club representative accompanies each tour to enhance the study tour aspects and to represent the Club on the tour. The Club reserves the right to cancel the tour and/or not provide a Club representative if the number of participants falls below the number sufficient for a Club-sponsored tour.
All tour prices are per person, double occupancy and airfare, when included, is from San Francisco unless otherwise noted; all travel dates and tour costs are subjected to change. Included in all tour prices is a modest charge to cover the Commonwealth Club's costs of administering a membership tour program. All dates and tour costs are subject to changes at any time. Tour participants must be members of the Commonwealth Club of California or belong to their immediate family.
If you wish to receive more information on our
2005 Tour Program, please contact The Club's travel desk at (415) 597-6720 or email the Club Tour Desk
with the following information:
-Your Name
-Address
-Home Phone
-Tour Name/s
