Russian Waterways Cruise!
Moscow to St. Petersburg
&
So Much More…..!!!

July 29 – August 09, 2010

Come join us on a river cruise between Moscow and St. Petersburg for a great way to see a variety of what Russia has to offer! With daily stops, we’ll leisurely sail the scenic Volga River, Lake Ladoga, and Lake Onega and through several sets of locks.  Besides sightseeing in Moscow and St. Petersburg, each day along the route brings new and exciting experiences such as the Church of Transfiguration in Kizhi, tea and cakes with “Grandma Valya,” or a Russian shashlik barbecue riverside. On board the comfortable MS “Konstantin Korotkov” experience the hospitality and friendliness of their superb team of cruise directors and a young, enthusiastic crew. They will inform you, entertain you, and ensure that you have a great trip! Come discover and explore Russia with us!

Per our cruise ship…..More culture, education & entertainment than on any other ship along the Russian Waterways!

Sightseeing, walking tours, activities on board, entertainment,  all meals,
unpack only once…….so much included!!

Per our cruise ship-Only aboard our ship will you enjoy ALL of these activities already included in the price of your cruise!

Price Includes:

• 10 nights accommodations on board m/s Korotkov river ship in all outside facing cabins in your choice of cabin category, (basic moderate class ship, yet comfortable accommodations)
• in twin bedded rooms with private bath or shower
• Team of English speaking Cruise Directors throughout
• 29 Meals-All meals on board
• 10 Breakfasts (B)
• 5 Lunches (B) –includes one picnic lunch
• 4 Boxed Lunches (BL)
• 10 Dinners (D)-includesFarewell Captain’s Gala Dinner 
• Singles Travel Company Representative (restrictions apply)
• Free roommate matching if requested
• Superb on board Cultural, Entertainment, and Activities program: lectures, live folklore performance, piano concert, classical concert including-
• Welcome cocktail and information meeting
• Welcome drink and Crew Introduction: Enjoy a drink as you set sail!
• Time permitting & for those wishing to do so-visit a local orphanage-meet kids & teachers & may leave small gifts: i.e. pens, educational toys & English books!
• Classical Concert performed by one of Russia’s most famous violinists
• Live band or short piano concert performing each evening
• Traditional Russian Dinner; entertainment featuring national specialties served by staff dressed in national costumes & accompanied by lively folklore music
• Caviar party on ship; blini pancakes and red caviar
• Special folklore show performed by the on board folklore group
• On board activities and entertainment
• On board lectures (3)-Russia past & present; Russian art & souvenirs, Russian language
• On board-games, dance lessons, talent show
• Russian shashlik barbecue (picnic); entertainment by ship’s musicians
  


• Shore excursions and sightseeing with local English speaking guides including-

• Moscow:     City tour-Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the impressive Kremlin.
• Inside look at the Kremlin and its fascinating Cathedrals, giant Tzar Bell and Cannon.
• Uglich:     Walking tour of Uglich
• Yaroslavl:     City tour-one of the oldest cities in Russia. See the main square, Governor’s Palace, the Transfiguration of the Savior Monastery & Church of Elijah.
• Goritza     Stop at a typical small Russian village along the Volga, visit an authentic peasant house where your host, Baba Valya (Grandma Valya) will welcome you to her home and treat you to some tasty homemade cakes and tea!
• Kizhi     Walking tour of this fairy tale island in the northern part of Lake Onega. 
• Mandroga    Authentic BBQ with folk entertainment riverside
• St. Petersburg     City tour will guide you past Nevsky Prospect, St Isaac’s Cathedral, Kazan’s Assembly Church, the Admiralty Building, Palace Square with the residence of Russian czars known as the “Winter Palace”, pass the “Bronze Horseman” monument of Peter the Great, Smolny Monastery, and the fascinating bridges over the river Neva.
• Tour of the Hermitage-one of the greatest museums of the world featuring an amazing collection of art dating from the early Greek to modern times! 

Available: Download Itinerary Now) (Acrobat Reader required - Please allow time for file to download completely)

Day 01, Jul 29                     USA to Russia
Depart on your overnight flights to Russia (with connecting flights in Europe depending on airline used).  In-flight meals and beverage services are provided as per airline policy.

Day 02, Jul 30     Arrive in Moscow                              Embarkation after 4 pm
Welcome to Moscow! After arrival on board, a welcome cocktail and information meeting will either precede or follow dinner. Afterwards, enjoy your first night on your floating hotel. (D)
 
Day 03,  Jul 31    Moscow
Moscow, the capital of Russia, is situated between the banks of the rivers Oka and Volga. A metropolis of 8 million people, Moscow today is not only the seat of the Russian government but also home to many world renowned attractions.
City sightseeing by bus: We’ll meet this exciting city on our guided sightseeing tour -see Moscow’s major sights such as Red Square, famous St. Basil’s Cathedral and the impressive Kremlin.
Your afternoon is free to explore some more on your own or to join one of the optional excursions offered by our cruise managers, such as an excursion to the Sergiev Posad Complex, the heart of the Russian Orthodox Church, or a tour of the famous Moscow Metro and pedestrian Arbat Street. (B, BL, D)
Optional Circus performance: (Tickets to be purchased on board).  The evening is reserved for a performance of the Moscow Circus, one of the greatest circus acts in the world!  Come be entertained!

Day 04, Aug 1      Moscow                                                Set Sail: PM
Another exciting day lies ahead for you to immerse yourself in this bustling city.
Kremlin Tour: This morning enjoy an inside look at the Kremlin and its fascinating Cathedrals, and giant Tzar Bell.
                The afternoon is free. Maybe take the optional tour of the Armory Museum, the renowned depository of Royal Russian riches including samples of weapons, carriages, thrones & the Faberge eggs.
Enjoy a welcome drink and the crew introductions on the sun deck as you set sail on your wonderful Volga adventure. (B, BL, D)

Day 05,  Aug 2     Uglich
Walking tour of Uglich: Visit Russia’s second oldest city (1 year younger than Moscow).  The city is famous for the more troubled and violent side of Russian history.  The Russian crown prince Dimitri was assassinated here, which eventually led to Boris Godunov ascending the Russian throne.  Here on the banks of the Volga, you can also find a rich collection of Russian Orthodox architecture, as well as the Church of St. Demitrius of the Blood and the Palace of Tsarevich Dmitri. Time permitting, our guides will take those wishing to participate to visit the local orphanage where you can meet some of the kids and teachers and leave small gifts such as school pens, educational toys and English books!
As we sail away enjoy a Classical Concert performed by a Russian violinists! (B, L, D)

Day 06, Aug 3     Yaroslavl
Founded by Yaroslav the Wise in the 11th century, the city also ranks as one of the oldest in Russia.  Its primary attractions are in the area around the main square anchored by the Governor’s Palace. Your city tour will include a visit to the Transfiguration of the Savior Monastery dating from the 13th century and the Church of Elijah the Prophet, which houses the famous Yaroslav and Kostroma frescoes.
As we sail on tonight, enjoy a traditional Russian Dinner with entertainment featuring national specialties served by staff dressed in national costumes & accompanied by lively folklore music. (B, L, D)
Optional: Enjoy a unique 30 minute a capella concert in one of Yaroslavl’s ancient cathedrals performed by the city’s most famous 30 member choir.

Day 07, Aug 4      Goritza
Stop today in a typical small Russian village on the Volga to visit an authentic peasant house where your host, Baba Valya (Grandma Valya) will welcome you to her home and treat you to some tasty homemade cakes and tea!
In the afternoon enjoy a Caviar party on board, featuring blini pancakes with red caviar! (B, L, D)

Day 08, Aug 5      Kizhi
Enjoy a walking tour of this fairy tale island, in the northern part of Lake Onega- it’s known as the site of an outdoor museum representing the picturesque rural wooden architecture of the area.  The Church of Transfiguration with 22 cupolas is a masterpiece of wooden architecture, constructed without a single nail or piece of iron, and the only tools that were used for its construction were chisels and axes.  Legend says the builder, master Nester, threw away his tools when finished saying, “This church was built by master Nester.  There is no church like this in the world & there will be never one again!”
Back on ship, enjoy a special folklore show performed by our on board folklore group! (B, L, D)

Day 09, Aug 6     Mondraga (Green Station Stop)
After breakfast, the morning will be free to participate in our on board activities, lectures and entertainment. On arrival, instead of lunch on board, you will enjoy a unique picnic lunch in a village setting! The Russian shashlik barbecue will be accompanied with entertainment by our on-board musicians. Then, be sure to visit the unique Vodka Museum featuring over 2500 varieties of Russia’s national drink!  (In case of unforeseeable bad weather, the lunch will be served on board). 
As we sail to gorgeous St. Petersburg, enjoy our Farewell Captain’s Gala Dinner! (B, L, D)

Day 10, Aug 7      St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, one of the most beautiful cities in the world celebrated its 300th birthday in 2003!  It is located on the banks of the Gulf of Finland, in the delta of the river Neva, with 65 rivers & canals, and 42 islands.  Peter the Great founded the city in 1703 and from 1712-1918, it was the capital of the Russian Empire.  With five million inhabitants, it’s the 2nd largest city in Russia and with its’ many canals, bridges and architectural beauty, St. Petersburg is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”.
City sightseeing tour by coach: Our informative morning city tour will guide you past Nevsky Prospect, St Isaac’s Cathedral, Kazan’s Assembly Church, the Admiralty Building, and Palace Square with the residence of Russian czars known as the “Winter Palace”. Continue past the “Bronze Horseman” monument of Peter the Great, Smolny Monastery, the cruiser Aurora, and the fascinating bridges over the river Neva which are raised every night in order to enable the passage of ships sailing to the Baltics.
Optional-Canal Cruise: After the tour, consider taking the optional cruise along the main St. Petersburg canals offering a unique view of the cities magnificent architecture!
Tour of the Hermitage: The afternoon we tour the Hermitage, one of the greatest museums of the world! Located within the 1000+ room Winter Palace, the Hermitage boasts of over 3 million artifacts spread out of 365 rooms and featuring an amazing collection of art dating from the early Greek to modern times!  Note originals by de Vinci, Van Gogh, Gauguin & Picasso. (B, BL, D)
Optional Evening Cultural Performance: A ballet or folklore is available for purchase on board.

Day 11, Aug 8     St. Petersburg
Today is a full free day to explore St. Petersburg on your own, or take an optional tour offered.
Optional full day Palace Excursion: Excursion to Pushkin, the former village of the Russian royalty-see Catherine’s Palace and the Amber Room- see Petrodvorets- its splendid gardens & fountains..
Optional Cossack Show: Folk show with 40 dancers and musicians performed by St. Petersburg’s Cossack ensemble. (B, BL, D)

Day 12, Aug 9      St. Petersburg – Home                      Disembarkation: 09:00
Time to say goodbye as you disembark and transfer to the airport for your flights home. (B)   (Cruise only passengers who have not purchased transfers through us - services end with breakfast)
 
Price--------- (remember we can assign a roommate)
$1999.00         per person, double occupancy twin berth, lower deck (Deck 1), portholes do not open
$2298.00         per person, double occupancy twin berth, main deck (Deck 2), picture window opens
$2398.00         per person, double occupancy twin berth, middle deck (Deck 3), picture window opens
$2698.00         single occupancy, middle deck (Deck 3)-Very Limited availability!

Add $150.00 to above prices for port charges per person
           
Above prices are based on availability at time of booking and can be withdrawn at anytime by the cruise company. Early sign-ups are therefore important to assure availability at the price and category you want.  You must book with us to enjoy our group.

Airfare is additional and you need to fly into Moscow, Russia and out of St. Petersburg, Russia.
Airport transfers: If you take the air with our tour operator, transfers are included.
$70 each way (roundtrip $140). We’ll need your flight information asap.
Travel/Trip cancellation Insurance is highly recommended for this trip and information will be sent to you with your trip deposit invoice.  Please consider the purchase of it carefully.
A Passportis required for entry. PLEASE MAKE SURE your passport matches exactly with the name you give us including your middle name if it’s included on your passport.  Your passport has to be still valid up to 6 months after the trip and we need your passport information for the Letter of Invitation.  Non-U.S. citizens must check with their consulate for entry requirements.
A Russian Visa and Letter of Invitationis needed for entry.  We will get the Letter of Invitation from our tour operator prior to the trip for you. We have information to obtain the Russian Visa (or you can obtain it yourself also). Visa application prices vary.  
Immunizations:  No immunizations/medicines are required for travel to Russia; however, please check with your personal medical provider for any recommendations they may have for travel to Russia.
Final Documents will contain a lot of information on what to bring and what to expect when visiting Russia. These documents come about 10-14 days prior to the trip. We recommend you do some research and reading about this fascinating destination prior to travel to enrich your learning experience.
Please note: This cruise is for the person who does not need first class accommodations with large rooms to have a fun and adventurous vacation that a smaller river cruise ship can offer.  Also there is a lot of walking on this trip, as well as uneven surfaces, no elevators on board, and climbing of stairs.
Price does not include- transfers, excursions or sightseeing tours noted as “optional in the itinerary”, airport and customs taxes, port charges, document and Visa fees, all items of a personal nature including liqueur, phone charges, souvenirs, tips to local guides, drivers, cruise directors and ship staff & crew.

Fine Print – Russian Cruise-Moscow to St. Petersburg, July 29-August 9, 2010
Your payment for a reservation on this trip constitutes consent and acknowledgement of all the provisions in this Fine Print listed below and in the Singles Travel Company General Terms and Conditions. Please make sure you read both of these important pieces of information and call us with any questions.  This cruise itinerary is subject to change, due to weather or water conditions & is determined by the shipping company.
Deposits are $500.00 by check (preferred-payable to Travel Advisors) or credit cards.
Final payments are due 95 days prior to sailing. Checks only per the cruise line-if you need to use credit card please call us.
Cancellation Fee and Refunds     All cancellations must be in writing.  Per the cruise line-after individual deposits are received, a non-refundable penalty of $300 per person applies and any cancellations 120 days or less to departure day, no refund.  No refund on unused portions of the trip. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy which are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee only.
Travel/Trip Cancellation insurance is highly recommended

General Information
A lot more information will be sent to you later with your final documents but the following is some important information for you to read now from the river cruise company.
PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
Please note that the majority of the passenger vessels sailing the various rivers of the world have limited services for the physically impaired. There are few, if any elevators - steep staircases are the norm. In addition, due to their small size and shallow draft, the ships often anchor at remote undeveloped ports and stops. While this ability enhances the itineraries it also means that most of the shore excursions require quite a bit of walking! Therefore, severe walking disabilities may limit the passenger’s overall enjoyment on these programs. Regretfully, we do not recommend these cruises to severely disabled or wheelchair bound passengers.

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES AND STANDARDS
Do not compare things you see by American standards. These river vessels were all specifically built for cruising the narrow rivers, low lying bridges and tight locks that connect the Russian Waterways. Therefore, although quite comfortable, they are small and practical and should not be compared with huge ocean faring vessels. Above all, keep your sense of humor and enjoy the cultural legacies, physical geography and rich variety of the people as you sail through this unique and different land!

EXPENSES FOR ON BOARD SERVICES
All costs are quoted in Rubles. Direct payments are accepted in cash (Rubles) or signed to your cabin card & paid at the end of the navigation by cash or Credit Card. VISA or MasterCard only. For Traveler Checks & foreign cash that needs to be converted to Rubles, we do make stops at major city banks and exchange offices in order to enable you to change money on arrival and along the way. Please note that paper bills need to be NEW or at least in good condition (not written on, tattered or overly wrinkled) or Russian Banks may reject exchanging them.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
A few optional activities will be offered for sale (Circus or Ballet performances, additional tours, etc.) during your cruise and they are priced in Euros. Because of the need to prepay extra buses, guides and entrance fees at the last minute depending on passenger interest all optional excursions must be paid in cash with Euros or US Dollars.
Although everyone is different, we suggest that you bring at least $500 per person in NEW AND UNTORN BILLS ($5, $10, $20 and higher) for use during the trip (half you will exchange into Rubles on arrival, the rest as you need). If you are planning on purchasing more expensive items or top quality souvenirs, you should bring more.

WEATHER
                Average temperature in Moscow and St. Petersburg in July is a high of 72 and low of 58.

GRATUITIES
                Tipping today has become commonplace in all former communist block countries including China, Russia and Ukraine. Due to the volatile nature of these new economies, salaries for regular folk are still pitiful compared to the rising costs and inflation in their countries let alone if we compare them to Western standards. Consequently, for the majority of the people working in the service industries (hotels, ships, restaurants, travel), tips and gratuities have become a large source of their income. Therefore, your gracious generosity will be appreciated throughout your trip. Tips are divided between tips for individuals (Cruise & Tour Directors, Local Guides leading local tours, bus drivers, specific waiters at hotels or other ground personnel), pooled tips for a group of individuals working as a team to serve you on a specific portion of a trip (such as crew on the ship), and your cruise director or manager.

CRUISE MANAGERS are THE Travel Experts we employ who stay with you from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart. They will be your guiding angels throughout the trip. They will lead you, educate you, and entertain you and we are certain you will find their assistance indispensable in providing you with the utmost travel experience possible! They sail with you and are essentially at your disposal 24 hours a day.

Our River Cruise Ship (Basic moderate class)
Built in 1979 and completely reconstructed in 1989, the MS Konstantine Korotkov was refurbished in 2007/2008. The public facilities consist of a Reception, Office and Snack bar on the Main (2nd) deck, Dinning room, Souvenir shop and Pub Bar on the Middle (3rd) deck, a Piano Bar and Entertainment Lounge on the Upper (4th) deck and a Conference room on the Sun (5th) deck. Main, Middle and Upper Deck cabins are outward facing with big picture windows that open. All cabins have private toilet/shower facilities, refrigerators, forced air controls, radio and closet space. The ship also has six Presidential two room suites and twenty single cabins. The Konstantin Korotkov has continually received the highest praise for its friendly service and a superb on board cultural and entertainment program featuring lectures, seminars and concerts performed by some of Russia's top entertainers.

CABINS
All cabins are outside locations. Lower Deck cabins are designed with twin or triple accommodations. They are located in the hull and feature portholes that cannot be opened. All other cabins located on the 2nd Main, 3rd Middle, and 4th Upper Decks feature 2 lower beds and full picture windows that can be opened. Twin cabins are 90-110 sq. feet. Single cabins (70 sq. ft) have one lower berth and can be found on the Middle and Upper Decks. There are 6 Presidential two room suites which are 250 sq. feet. Every cabin has private shower/toilet facilities, individually controlled heating and forced air, radio P/A system and storage space. All cabins also have mini-refrigerators. In terms of comfort they are not luxurious, but they are clean, practical & comfortable. 

SPECIFICATIONS
Decks                           5
Max Passengers       260
Crew                            110
Registry                       Russia
Length                         125m
Width                           16.8 m
Speed                          25 km/h

Start practicing your Russian!!

Download full Terms and Conditions (PDF)

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