Join the Portland String Quartet and guest pianist, Virginia Eskin, on their musical Viking River Cruise Cruise in celebration of the PSQ's 40^th Anniversary.

Set sail on the river Volga from St. Petersburg to Moscow May 8-20, 2009.


Waterways of the Czars St. Petersburg to Moscow
Thinking of Russia, two great places immediately come to mind: Moscow and St. Petersburg. This monumental 13-day itinerary includes multiple days in both cities, touring such landmarks as Moscow’s Kremlin and Red Square as well as Pushkin, Peter & Paul Fortress and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. But, there is another side of Russia that only a river cruise can provide—the villages and quaint towns like Yaroslavl, Uglich and Goritzy. See opulent palaces, discover fortified monasteries and visit beautiful cathedrals. It is an unforgettable way to experience the history and culture of this unique and mysterious country.

Your Viking River journey includes:

1. 13-day cruise with river-view stateroom on the newly refurbished Viking Kirov
2. 9 guided tours
3. 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches & 12 dinners
4. Welcome cocktail reception & dinner
5. Captain’s farewell dinner
6. Private motor coach for excursions
7. Old World Highlights:  Port lectures, traditional Russian tea, lectures on cultural history, current affairs and Russian Czars
8. Villages & towns along the waterways: Uglich, Yaroslavl, Goritzy & Kizhi
9. “Glazunov to Gershwin – three concerts of Russian music and influence from the Czars to the Stars” – with the Portland String Quartet and guest pianist, Virginia Eskin

Pricing from $4624 per person (cruise only) PLUS an additional $100 per person shipboard credit if paid by August 15, 2008. 

Contact Pat Wilcock at 800.874.1743 or pwilcock@travelexperts.com for more information.

Some restrictions apply.  Minimum number of 36 confirmed passengers is required for the PSQ to escort this trip.  Actual itinerary, ports and inclusions are subject to change.  Possible fuel surcharges and other fees may apply. A non-refundable fee of $100 will be assessed in the event that the trip is cancelled. 

May	Destination	Activities
8	St. Petersburg	Board ship: "welcome walk" & free time
9	St. Petersburg	City tour, Peter & Paul Fortress, Winter Palace & Hermitage Museum
10	St. Petersburg	Pushkin excursion & free time or optional canal cruise
11	St. Petersburg	Free time or optional Peterhof Palace tour
12	Svir River	Scenic cruising, visit vodka museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items
13	Kizhi	Walking tour & scenic cruising
14	Goritzy Volga-Baltic Waterway	Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery visit & scenic cruising
15	Yaroslavl	Coach & walking tour
16	Uglich	Walking tour
17	Moscow Canal & Moscow	City tour, Bolshoi Theater & Red Square
18	Moscow	Kremlin & Armory tour, optional Tretyakov Gallery visit
19	Moscow	Free time or optional tour Sergiev Posad
20	Moscow	Disembarkment

Waterways of the Czars – St. Petersburg to Moscow – May 8-20, 2009
Day by Day Itinerary (Click here for a printable Day by Day Itinerary)

Day 1 - St. Petersburg
Arrive in St. Petersburg, “The City of 300 Bridges.” We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2 - St. Petersburg
This morning, explore St. Petersburg on a city tour. See noted sights including St. Isaac’s Cathedral and Nevsky Prospekt, and visit Peter & Paul Fortress. Have lunch in a local restaurant, then proceed to the Winter Palace to visit the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet or opera followed by a late dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 3 - St. Petersburg
Today’s excursion goes to Pushkin. Visit elegant Catherine’s Palace, the rococo 18th-century summer residence of the Russian Czars named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber Room, and see the ornate décor throughout. Return aboard for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg. You may choose to take an optional canal cruise through the city. Dinner served aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - St. Petersburg
Most of the day is free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums, or take an optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains and French Gothic interiors. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Lunch and dinner served aboard; ship departs early evening. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Scenic Waterways & Mandrogy
Spend a relaxing day cruising along Russia’s intricate waterways. Sail on the Neva River, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake. Cruise the Svir River to Mandrogy where you have some free time to explore this model Russian community. Visit the vodka museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. Continue along the Svir’s 139-mile “Blue Route” toward Lake Onega. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Kizhi
Cruise through the early morning, admiring the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake. Arrive during breakfast at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture. Here, see a collection of ancient Russian wooden houses, windmills and churches, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church. This fairy-tale structure was built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart late morning and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Volga-Baltic Waterway & Goritzy
Continue cruising along the Volga-Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and 7 locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. Arrive at lunchtime in Goritzy, a typical Russian village. Here, visit the renowned Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397; a guided walk takes you through the historic grounds, seeing many small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. Return aboard for an afternoon departure. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Yaroslavl
Arrive midafternoon in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities—ancient towns that preserve the memory of Russia’s historical events. Ride along the river banks where you see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you are treated to a traditional choir performance. Take free time to shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning aboard for dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Uglich
After breakfast, disembark for a walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, another Golden Ring city. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son Dmitry was mysteriously killed. Lunch served aboard; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 10 - Moscow Canal & Moscow
This morning, cruise along the Moscow Canal, approaching Moscow during lunch. Disembark for a half-day city tour. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral. You will also get the chance to experience the city’s Metro. Stay in the city center to enjoy a meal prepared by the ship’s chef and an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music. (B, L, D)

Day 11 - Moscow
After breakfast, travel to the city’s famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. See its many tall towers, brightly colored cathedrals and elegant palaces. Tour inside the Armory, home to a collection of royal jewels, crowns and armor. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. This afternoon is yours to explore Moscow or you can join an optional tour to the Tretyakov Gallery, the world’s foremost museum of Russian fine art. Dine aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 12 - Moscow
Enjoy a full day to further explore Moscow. Or join an optional tour to Sergiev Posad, a Golden Ring city named for the greatly venerated St. Sergius of Radonezh, to see one of the four most important Russian Orthodox monasteries in Russia. All meals served aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 13 - Moscow
After breakfast, disembark and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* (B)  

Viking Kirov - Overview

We take you on an unforgettable journey to discover the treasures of Russia. Our ship has recently undergone an extensive renovation, and we own and operate our ships according to the highest standards of Swiss hotel management. Be among the first to experience the Waterways of the Czars on this state-of-the-art vessel. 

Sun Deck
Enjoy sunshine and fresh air while you take in 360-degree views of the scenery as you sail past palaces, towns, villages, fields and forests. Stand at the railings or relax in a comfortable deck chair—cushions are available. Some of the seating has a canopy for those who prefer shade. The sun deck is adjacent to the Sky Bar and there is an access way to the bridge.

Sky Bar
This enclosed bar on the sun deck level provides seating at small tables designed to accommodate 2, 4 or 6 guests. At the Sky Bar you have a fantastic location for relaxing with friends while enjoying the scenery through panoramic windows.

Panorama Bar
This enclosed bar at the forward end of the upper deck level seats 50 passengers and is an excellent spot for watching the scenery, especially during arrival at one of your exciting destinations.

Restaurant
The restaurant is where all meals are served during your cruise. Because it features panoramic windows, you will not miss any of the scenery while you are dining. It seats 198 guests at 29 tables, which vary in size, accommodating 6, 8 or 10 guests per table. The dining room is open seating, so you are free to sit where you like—a great way to make new friends. The atmosphere is casual but elegant, with high-quality table linens, china, cutlery and glassware. The room has a stereo system for playing quiet music during meals.

Our chefs create a variety of tasty offerings for you, with freshly prepared seasonal local vegetables, European specialties adapted for American tastes, and homemade soups prepared daily. For breakfast, choose from our selections including eggs, cereals, pastries, fresh fruit, meats and cheeses. Or maybe you prefer a made-to-order hot dish like an omelet or pancakes. At lunch, select from the soup and sandwich bar, or a choice of entrées and dessert. And for dinner, you are treated to a five-course gourmet menu with regional specialties. You can also select from our regional wines to perfectly complement your meal. And wherever you sail, you will find enhancements reflecting your itinerary. It is all part of experiencing the local culture.

Promenade Deck
The middle deck features one of the ship’s three walk-around, open air Promenade Decks. You can watch the scenery from every possible vantage point or enjoy a romantic stroll around the ship any time of the day or evening.

Reception/Lobby
The middle deck lobby area is a great place to get information during your journey. Your Cruise Manager’s desk is located here, so that you can easily ask questions or discuss the day’s activities. There is a 24-hour tea and coffee station with a fruit basket and convenient restrooms. There is a PA system so the day’s events can be announced; there is also an Internet station in the lobby area, so you can check your email.

Library
The library stocks approximately 80 books, in various languages but mostly English, and several games such as chess, backgammon and playing cards.

Souvenir Shop
Forget to bring something? Looking for a magazine or some gift items? The souvenir shop on the main deck has everything you need to make your voyage comfortable and convenient.