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St. Petersburg & Cruise between

RUSSIAN WATERWAYS 2020

Save a guaranteed £1,000 per couple Travel. It leaves you speechless and then turns you into a storyteller. Ibn Battuta Welcome We invite you to join Waterways as we discover the many remarkable charms of on this insightful 12-day itinerary, which follows a captivating route between St Petersburg and Moscow. This journey of discovery uncovers a wealth of hidden wonders and authentic local experiences, as history and folklore play out beautifully on Russia’s proud waterways. Grand in scale, St Petersburg embodies Russia’s imperial might. The city is full of architectural highlights, including the of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, the , and Saint Isaac’s Cathedral. A visit to the Hermitage Museum, the former of the Tsars, offers yet more cultural immersion in the captivating ‘Venice of the North’. Travelling east, you will visit the village of Mandrogi on the banks of the Svir River. The landscape here is dotted with ‘izba’ houses, and you can admire the many local handicrafts which tell of the region’s rich folklore. Moscow, Russia’s inimitable capital, boasts some of ’s most significant heritage sights, reflecting 800 years of turbulent history. Walk the flagstones of , marvelling at St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, and the . Or, visit the State Armoury to understand the military might of this proud country. Your ship for this outstanding journey, the MS Rossia, is a traditional Russian waterways cruise ship. On board you will enjoy both comfortable furnishings and generous inclusions. We are offering you the chance toenjoy generous savings of £1,000 per couple when you book your place on this very special itinerary. We look forward to exploring the magnificent charms of Russia with you.

Contents

Exceptional EmeraldVALUE 4 The MS Rossia 6 The Heart of Russia 8 The Imperial Charms of Russia 10 Exceptional EmeraldVALUE Our promise of exceptional EmeraldVALUE ensures complete peace of mind.

All flights, transfers and tips are included in the price you pay, as well as delicious and diverse dining with complimentary drinks to accompany lunch and dinner and insightful excursions.

Enjoy local cuisine EmeraldDISCOVERY Russia is a land unlike any other, with a rich history spanning more than a millennia. We’ve hand-crafted a range of included excursions, enabling you to immerse yourself in the lifestyle of vibrant cities and rural villages.

Join our expert guides for inspirational tours of UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic sites, many of which have overlooked some of the most important events in Russian history.

4 State Armoury, Moscow

EmeraldPLUS Our EmeraldPLUS experiences have been specially curated to offer an introduction to Russia’s heritage and the abundance of art and culture that can be found around the country.

Whilst in Moscow, you will be able to embark on a guided tour of the State Armoury, witnessing the splendour of detailed ceremonial garments, the largest collection of jewelled Fabergé eggs and lavishly decorated arms and armour.

Included insightful excursions

EmeraldEXCURSIONS Every day in Russia will be one of enlightenment as you enjoy one of our insightful excursions, handpicked by our journey planners to showcase the best of this illustrious nation.

From a visit to the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg to a visit to Mandrogi village, a place famous for its traditional houses and handicrafts, you’ll have every opportunity to experience first hand.

5 u eck

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er eck The MS Rossia

The MS Rossia perfectly a eck encapsulates the traditional heart of Russia. Your specially-chartered ship for this incredible journey was built specifically to sail the iconic Russian waterways. A superb selection of on- board amenities await, situated across four decks, including the Tsar Bar, where you can Deluxe Suite 2 2 2 2 relax with your favourite tipple whilst catching Comfort Suite (12.4M ) Deluxe Suite (14.6M ) Suite (16.3M ) Panorama Suite (16.5M ) up with new-found friends. Conference hall Library Gym Souvenir kiosk Coffee station Medical office The on-board restaurant serves delicious Russian-influenced dining, along with European Restaurant WC Office Reception Smoking area Elevator favourites. You’ll also enjoy complimentary drinks served with lunch and dinner.

The MS Rossia also boasts a small gym and a library, which offers a quiet space to relax and reflect. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the bar area, whilst each comfortable cabin comes with services including a television and refrigerator. Restaurant

6 Deck & Cabin Plans

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Comfort Suite (12.4M2) Deluxe Suite (14.6M2) Suite (16.3M2) Panorama Suite (16.5M2)

Conference hall Library Gym Souvenir kiosk Coffee station Medical office

Restaurant WC Office Reception Smoking area Elevator

A typical twin cabin A typical double cabin

7 The Heart of Russia A land suspended in time, Russia has a cultural heritage that is unrivalled and a rich history that can be traced back over the centuries.

This enigmatic nation is truly a secret gem, where ancient cities harbour architectural wonders, just waiting to be discovered.

The Kremlin, Moscow Moscow Eight centuries of thought-provoking history are yours to discover in Moscow, as we take you right to the heart of the city. Gaze upon the intricate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed St. Basil’s Cathedral and explore monuments dedicated to Russia’s communist past. Every turn will unveil another architectural marvel, as spectacular onion domes decorate the remarkable skyline.

8 St. Petersburg St. Petersburg Once the imperial capital of the , the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of St. Petersburg promises a lot in the way of ornate beauty, best discovered during your included tour of the Hermitage Museum, once the official residence of the Romanovs. Wander alongside historic canals, passing opulent palaces and lavish cathedrals as you explore a land frozen in time.

Volga river The River At over 2,000 miles long, the Volga River is the longest in Europe, flowing from the rural hills of central Russia all the way to the Caspian Sea. This symbolic waterway has been an inspiration for writers and artists from around the world for generations, leading to it being affectionately referred to as “Mother Volga” in Russian literature and folklore. The picturesque stretches of the river are best viewed from the Sun Deck of MS Rossia.

9 Russian Waterways Cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow

Russia is a mystifying riddle that this insightful itinerary will enable you to solve. Start your journey in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of St. Petersburg and venture to idyllic rural villages showcasing the traditions of ancient folk communities.

St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow

10 Russian Waterways Cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow 12-Day The Imperial Charms of Russia

Day 1 UK – St. Petersburg Kizhi Day 2 St. Petersburg Day 3 St. Petersburg Day 4 St. Petersburg Mandrogi 11 Day 5 Mandrogi

Day 6 Kizhi St. Petersburg Goritsy Day 7 Goritsy R Day 8 Day 9 Yaroslavl Uglich Day 10 Moscow 11 Number of nights Day 11 Moscow River cruise Moscow Map is a guide only Day 12 Moscow – UK

EmeraldDISCOVERY Highlights And of course, our exceptional unique to your itinerary EmeraldVALUE inclusions come

EmeraldPLUS as standard ■ Return flights from Londow Heathrow Visit to the Museum of Cosmonautics ■ Airport transfers to and from your ship Visit to the State Armoury ■ 11 nights in a suite on board MS Rossia. ■ 32 meals: 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 11 dinners EmeraldEXCURSIONS including a Welcome Reception ■ 2 drinks per guest with lunch and dinner on board Guided coach tour of St. Petersburg ■ Complimentary tea & coffee on board at all times Tour to the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg ■ Complimentary bottled water in your suite Visit to Mandrogi restocked daily ■ Complimentary Wi-Fi on board Tour to the Open Air Museum of Architecture in ■ First-class service from English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides. Visit to the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery ■ Earn EmeraldEXPLORER points Tour to Yaroslavl ■■ Complimentary River Cruise Guarantee cover Visit to Uglich ■ All port charges, airport taxes and overseas transfers Guided tour of Moscow ■ ABTA and ATOL protected Visit to the grounds of the Kremlin Plus we include all tips and gratuities

11 Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood monument

Day 3 St. Petersburg St. Petersburg Today, an abundance of art and culture is yours to discover with a visit to the Hermitage Museum. to Moscow Founded by , this complex of six historic buildings is one of the largest art museums in Departing May – August 2020 the world. A guided tour will enable you to explore different Day 1 UK – St. Petersburg time periods and cultures as you peruse ancient Roman sculptures, mementos of traditional Asian Return flights from the UK are included in the price theatre and the works of legendary artists, including of your holiday. You will be met at the airport and Picasso, Matisse and Leonardo da Vinci. The portrait transferred to MS Rossia, where a warm welcome gallery of the Romanov dynasty is perhaps the most awaits you from your captain and crew. impressive collection, adorning the walls of what was Founded in the 18th century by Peter the Great, once their official residence, the Winter Palace. St. Petersburg was once the imperial capital of the Russian Empire. Ornate Baroque palaces lining the EmeraldEXCURSION streets appear to be suspended in time, and centuries of revolution are weaved into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic district.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 St. Petersburg The history of this illustrious city is yours to explore during a guided tour today, including many of St. Petersburg’s main highlights. Venture along one of In St. Petersburg, enjoy a visit to the Hermitage the city’s most famous streets, Nevsky Prospekt, Museum, housed in six iconic historic buildings, passing iconic structures such as the neoclassical including the world-famous Winter Palace. National Library of Russia and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, a unique example of Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner medieval with a colourful five- domed façade. Day 4 St. Petersburg Tonight, attend a welcome reception hosted by your captain on board. St. Petersburg is yours to explore at leisure today, perhaps stopping to admire the opulence of the A guided tour of St. Petersburg impressive Baroque buildings adorning the streets. The “Venice of the North” is home to an elaborate Breakfast, lunch and dinner Meals: canal system that has been generously peppered with hundreds of bridges.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

12 Key: EmeraldPLUS EmeraldEXCURSION Kizhi Yaroslavl

Day 5 Mandrogi for a remote place to become closer to God, but it prospered as a refuge for nobility during the Time of Gracing the banks of the Svir River, Mandrogi is Troubles. a postcard-worthy representation of life in pre- revolutionary Russia. Traditional houses are adorned A visit to the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery with colourful façades and intricate woodwork. Your free time in the village will showcase the studios of Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner artisans who are happy to demonstrate their crafts, including the creation of famous matryoshka dolls. Day 8 Yaroslavl This afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps Yaroslavl can be found on the confluence of the visiting the Vodka Museum. mighty Volga and rivers. founded this ancient city, and the current coat of A visit to Mandrogi village arms featuring a bear carrying an axe tells his story.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner A guided tour of Yaroslavl will introduce you to the town’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre, Day 6 Kizhi once a major point of trade. Later, visit the Church of St. Ilya the Prophet and witness the beauty of its Enjoy cruising on the second largest lake in Europe delicately restored 17th-century frescoes. this morning, before arriving at Kizhi. The small island is a national open-air museum, housing dozens A guided tour of Yaroslavl of historical wooden structures. While wooden architecture is prominent across Russia, Kizhi Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner contains some of the best-preserved examples of expert carpenters pushing their craft to its limit. Day 9 Uglich Your included guided tour of the island includes a Your day will start with a visit to Uglich; a visit to , a UNESCO World Heritage-listed postcard-worthy town nestled on the banks of site featuring two 12th-century churches and an the Volga River. This area is famous for its ancient octagonal bell tower. churches, several of which can be seen from the water. A tour of the Kizhi Architectural Ensemble Your included tour will introduce you to some Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner fantastic examples of Russian architecture, including the Cathedral of Transfiguration with its octagonal Day 7 Goritsy stone bell tower and the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, a building that has stood since the Romanov A medieval atmosphere waits to welcome you to Tsars made Uglich a place of pilgrimage following the Goritsy, a tranquil town that has been generously . peppered with monasteries. Tonight, your captain will welcome you back on board Today’s included tour will take you to the doorstep for a delightful farewell dinner. of one of the most famous monasteries in Russia, the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. Legend has it that Cyril A guided tour of Uglich of Beloozero founded the monastery in his search Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

13 Kremlin Assumption Cathedral

Day 10 Moscow EmeraldPLUS Welcome to Moscow, an artistic metropolis with a history that spans almost a millennia and a plethora of landmarks that are recognisable around the world. A guided tour of the city will introduce you to all of its main highlights, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Red Square, with its many surrounding architectural marvels. Gaze at the beauty of St Basil’s Cathedral, nestled in the middle of a symmetrical star of eight chapels, Visit the State Armoury, a treasury house inside and the Baroque , home to of the Kremlin that is known around the world for ancient relics from prehistoric Russia and artwork its historical and cultural value. Precious artefacts that once belonged to the Romanovs. are yours to discover, including the Golden Gospel, one of ’s personal favourites. A guided tour of Moscow

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner EmeraldPLUS

Day 11 Moscow Immerse yourself in Moscow’s rich history today with a visit to the Kremlin Grounds. Overlooking St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Red Square, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site was the centre point for many of Russia’s defining moments. Witness the ornate beauty of the Assumption Cathedral, where tsars were crowned, and the gold-adorned domes of the Soviet space exploration is yours to discover Ivan the Great Bell Tower Complex. today at the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics. You’ll then visit to the State Armoury, currently home Enjoy exploring exhibits that touch on the history to the Russian , and peruse exhibits of flight, space exploration and how space that include items from the tsars’ personal treasury, technology has evolved over the last century. from 12th-century armour to detailed coronation dresses. A visit to the Kremlin Grounds This afternoon, visit the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics to learn about Soviet space Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner exploration. Day 12 Moscow – UK After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

14 Key: EmeraldPLUS EmeraldEXCURSION Red Square, Moscow

Our journey planners have hand-crafted a superb itinerary for you. Here, they highlight just one of their favourite ‘Must-do’s’.

“One of the many highlights of your guided tour of Moscow, will no doubt be the visit to the Red Square. This famous square is surrounded by the Kremlin, the former royal citadel, which is now the official residence of the President of Russia, and the historic merchant quarter of Kitai-gorod.”

Save a guaranteed £1,000 per couple

Main Deck Upper/Boat Deck 2020 Departure Date Tour Code: ERRC Comfort Suite Deluxe Suite

WAS NOW FROM WAS NOW FROM MAY 15* Save £500 per person £3,295 £2,795 £3,445 £2,945 JUN 16, 27* Save £500 per person £3,295 £2,795 £3,445 £2,945 JUL 29 Save £500 per person £3,195 £2,695 £3,345 £2,845 AUG 09* Save £500 per person £3,195 £2,695 £3,345 £2,845 AUG 30* Save £500 per person £3,295 £2,795 £3,445 £2,945

Please note: All prices are per person, based on a twin share. *These departures operate a reverse itinerary.

15 For more information or to book contact CRUISE SELECT on 01234 326758 cruiseselect.co.uk [email protected]

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Promotional offer terms and conditions: Prices shown are correct at the time of going to print (March 2019) with all prices per person based on a twin-share. Please call for single supplements. The £500 per person saving is valid for new bookings only, made between 15th April 2019 and 31st December 2019. Flights may not be a direct service, are subject to availability and may incur a supplement. The deposit required at the time of booking is £750 per person, with full payment required outside of 90 days prior to departure. Please note, MS Rossia is not an Emerald Waterways Star-Ship and facilities and inclusions differ from our European Star-Ship fleet. We recommend you seek independent advice regarding visas and vaccinations. Our offers are not combinable and we reserve the right to withdraw our offers at any time. For full terms and conditions visit emeraldwaterways.co.uk. E&OE.