<<

10 NIGHTS FROM ONLY £1995 PER PERSON Ancient & her Waterways

A river cruise along the between and St Petersburg aboard the MS Rakhmaninov , St Petersburg

Golden Ring Fresco

Mural of the Saviour, Spassky Monastery

xplore magnificent Russia in comfort with a cruise along the Volga, beginning Eand ending in two of the most glorious cities in the world, Moscow and St Petersburg. Enjoy a wealth of iconic experiences in these two cities, including , the Hermitage and the . Our river journey between these two marvellous cities offers the chance to discover Russia’s famous domed churches and the country’s fascinating history, with legacies of , Saint Cyril, and, of course, the Czars. The poetic architecture along the Volga continues its beauty inside, with many examples of superb frescoes, icons and paintings to admire, culminating in the vast Hermitage with its millions of exhibits. Your tranquil river cruise is also an St Dmitry on the Blood, opportunity to admire Russia’s stunning countryside as well as the open Air Museum of Architecture at Kizhi which features many important examples of historic Russian buildings from peasant homes to churches.

The Itinerary Another notable structure is the Ivan the Great Bell Tower which is said to mark the exact Day 1 London to Moscow. Fly by scheduled centre of Moscow and resembles a burning flight to Moscow. Upon arrival, transfer to the candle. Completed in 1600, it is 81 metres MS Rakhmaninov and embark. high. Explore the gold domed Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals of this historic structure, Day 2 Moscow. Today, join your guide for a city as well as the Armoury Museum, which dates tour. Admire the grandeur of Red Square, at the back to 1485. Return to the ship for lunch centre of Russian history since the 13th century. before setting sail along the Volga. The elaborate, brightly coloured domes are instantly recognisable as St Basil’s Cathedral, built Day 4 Uglich. Today we visit Uglich, one of the in the 14th century by Ivan the Terrible. Russia’s most beloved cities in Russia. It was here that more recent history is represented by Lenin’s Ivan the Terrible’s son, Dmitry was murdered mausoleum, a monument of the Communist era. in 1591. As Dmitry was the last descendent of The afternoon is your own to explore this historic the ancient Rurik Dynasty, his death lead to the city at leisure, with optional excursions available dynastic and political crisis known as the Time to purchase locally if you so wish. of Troubles. The magnificent of St Dmitry on the Blood was built by the Day 3 Moscow. Home to Czars, Princes, Soviet Romanov Czars on the spot where the murder Leaders and now the Russian President, the took place and its red walls and blue domes can Kremlin is the focus of this morning’s excursion. be admired from the river. Visit the five-domed The complex features five palaces and four Church of the Transfiguration, noted for its cathedrals, surrounded by a towered wall. beautiful icons and religious paintings.

www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Hermitage, St Petersburg St Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow

Day 5 . Founded in 1010 by Prince the exquisite city of St Petersburg for a two night own, or purchase an optional excursion. In the Yaroslavl the Wise, the Golden Ring city of stay. Enjoy a fortifying breakfast onboard before evening enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner onboard, Yaroslavl is located at the confluence of the a half day tour discovering the many delights of and discuss your wonderful Russian adventures Volga and the Rivers and is one this city, formerly known as Leningrad. Created with your fellow travellers. of Russia’s oldest cities. Your guided tour by to rival Venice, its dozens of includes the fortified 13th century Spassky canals, 342 bridges and hundred-plus islands have Day 11 St Petersburg to London. Disembark and Monastery ensemble, a group of majestic secured its reputation as the most beautiful city transfer to the airport for your return scheduled century cathedrals, with their crowning glory, in Russia. See Peter and Paul Fortress, the Smolny flight to London. the Church of the Prophet, situated in Cathedral, the Nevsky Prospect and St Isaac’s the town’s central square. The frescoes on the Cathedral before returning to the ship for lunch. walls and vaulting inside the church constitute a In the afternoon, explore the glories of the city veritable museum of old Russian paintings. independently, or purchase an optional excursion.

Day 6 Goritsy. Start the day cruising on the Day 10 St Petersburg. Today we will visit one beautiful White Lake, once known as the ‘Czar’s of the most famous museums in the world, the fishing grounds’. After mooring in Goritsy, tour Hermitage. Originally commissioned by Catherine the Kirillov Belozersky Monastery, founded by the Great as a winter palace, the museum now the hermit Saint Cyril. The monastery contains houses over two million exhibits. Some of the the 13th-century Cathedral of the Assumption, interior highlights include the Ambassador’s with superb frescoes and many ancient icons Staircase, the Throne Room and the Ballroom. arranged in five tiers above a silver heaven gate Take the afternoon to do some exploring of your St Petersburg, Moika River endowed by Tsar Alexis in 1645.

Day 7 Kizhi. Enjoy the scenery today as we 2017 Departure dates and prices per person based on double occupancy cruise across beautiful Lake Onega. The tiny 23rd May to 2nd June; 2nd to 12th June*; 31st August to 10th September; 10th to 20th September* island of Kizhi is located at the northern end of DOUBLE SOLE the lake and we will arrive in the afternoon for CAT CABIN DESCRIPTION OCCUPANCY OCCUPANCY a walking tour. It is renowned for its open-air Museum of Architecture and the Transfiguration 5 Main deck standard twin £1995 £2895 Church, which with 22 domes, is the ultimate in 4 Upper deck standard twin £2095 £2995 Russian fairy-tale architecture. 3 Upper deck/Junior suite £2695 £3795

Day 8 Mandrogi. Today we cruise the scenic 2 Boat deck/Junior suite £2895 £3995 Svir River with its forested banks and small 1 Boat deck single - £2195 settlements and we will stop at the picturesque, * Please note that these departures operate in the reverse direction from St Petersburg to Moscow. Medieval village of Mandrogi. There will be Price includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 10 nights aboard the MS Rakhmaninov on full board time for you to explore independently and basis , a glass of wine, beer or soft drink with lunch and dinner, shore excursions as described, tour manager, admire the traditional woodwork, learn about transfers, port taxes, airport taxes, gratuities. Russian folklore in one of the museums or enjoy Not included: Travel insurance, optional shore excursions (a selection of optional tours will be offered for purchase onboard in Moscow and St Petersburg covering your leisure time. Details and prices will be advised a walk in the countryside. in your pre-tour information). Russian Visa. NB: Ports subject to change. Water levels may affect itineraries. Excursions in Moscow and St Petersburg are Day 9 St Petersburg. This morning we arrive at subject to change dependent on opening times of museums and galleries.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 Twin cabin

MS RAKHMANINOV Junior Suite or this culturally rich tour, we have taken an allocation of cabins aboard the mixed- Fnationality MS Rakhmaninov. This classical river vessel was built in 1984 and was completely refurbished over the winter season of 2013/2014. She is a comfortable and well run vessel, ideal for exploring the Russian Waterways.

Your Cabin The vessel accommodates 200 passengers. All cabins are outside and arranged over four decks, have a promenade walkway outside the cabin and a large picture window which can be opened. Every cabin has a private bathroom, individual air conditioning/heating control, TV/radio, safe, dressing table Restaurant and wardrobe. Cabin sizes are as follows: Main/Upper Deck twin 8.5-9 square metres; Junior Suite 20 square metres, Single cabins 7.5 square metres. Noble Caledonia highly recommends booking a Suite to enhance your holiday experience. Your Space Outside you will find spacious deck areas with loungers, chairs and tables. Ship facilities include public areas such as a Reading SUN DECK Room, a Conference Hall and two onboard bars. In addition, there is a souvenir shop, doctor’s office, beauty salon and LOUNGE BAR laundry service.

Your Dining BOAT DECK The delightful dining room offers Continental and Russian

421 425 cuisine as well as specialties of the surrounding regions. During 401 403 405 407 409 411 413 415 417 419 423 your voyage there will be a Captain’s Welcome Dinner and a BAR BAR

Gala Farewell Dinner. 402 404 406 408 410 412 414 416 418 420 422 424 426

Life Onboard UPPER DECK The staff onboard offer friendly and efficient service and ensure 301 303 305 307 309

RESTAURANT 311 313 315 317 319 321 323 325 327 329 331 333 335 337 339 341 a warm welcome and enjoyable cruise. There is also a doctor SHOP LIBRARY onboard (charges apply). During your cruise there will be the 312 314 316 318 320 322 324 326 328 330 332 334 336 338 340 342 302 opportunity to tour the ship’s Bridge, attend Russian language 304 306 308 310 classes and lectures on Russian history and tradition. There is MAIN DECK also nightly entertainment. 201 203 205 207 209 211 213 215 217 219 221 223 225 227 229 231 233 235 H Our View SHOP SALON 236 The Rakhmaninov was completely refurbished in 2013-2014 and 202 204 206 208 210 212 214 216 218 220 222 224 226 228 230 232 234 these upgrades to the ship, alongside its friendly and efficient service and onboard entertainment, spacious public areas, LOWER DECK choice of bars and its promenade walkways, will make you feel relaxed and comfortable as soon as you embark. To ensure your trip exceeds your expectations, we recommend reserving one of the Rakhmaninov’s Junior Suites which are over double the size of one of the vessel’s Main/Upper Deck twin cabins. CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3 CATEGORY 4 CATEGORY 5

2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | noble-caledonia.co.uk

All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Dormition Cathedral, Yaroslavl City. 240216_K