ESCORTED SMALL GROUP TOUR
Trip Length: 12 days
Trip Dates:
August 26-September 07, 2011
11 nights in Deluxe accommodations
3 nights in St. Petersburg & 2 nights in Moscow
6 nights aboard Volga Dream | 23 meals
2011 Rates: From $5995 double
International Airfare is additional
| USA to St Petersburg, Russia | |
| St Petersburg - Welcome Dinner & Vodka Tasting | |
| St Petersburg - City Tour & Peter & Paul Fortress | |
| St Petersburg - Pushkin & Catherine's Palace | |
| St Petersburg - The Hermitage. Peterhof & Embark the Volga Dream | |
| Cruise to Svir River & Village of Mandrogi, a quaint wooden village | |
| Cruise to Kizhy - open-air Museum of Architecture | |
| Cruise to Goritsy - Kirilov Belozersky Monastery | |
| Cruise to Yaroslavl - churches from the 13th - 17th centuries | |
| Cruise to Uglich - Golden Ring City | |
| Disembark Volga Dream - Moscow - Red Square, New Maiden Convent | |
| Moscow - State Armory, Kremlin Territory, Tretyakov Gallery. Farewell dinner. |
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| day 12 - wed sep 07 | Fly Moscow - USA |
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to St Petersburg.
Upon arrival at St Petersburg airport you will be welcomed to Russia in the arrivals hall and privately transferred to your hotel where you will be assisted with check-in procedures. The remainder of today is at leisure.
This evening enjoy Welcome dinner at Vodka House #1 restaurant including vodka tasting. You will be confirmed for 3 nights at the Hotel Angleterre, St Petersburg in a Classic Double/Twin, inclusive of Bed & Breakfast.
Hotel: Hotel Angleterre
Room: Classic
Meals: Dinner
Today enjoy half day sightseeing with your private vehicle and guide. Drive throughout the historical city centre to see main city sights Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square, Winter Palace, Admiralty, Vasilevsky Island. Visit Peter & Paul Fortress inside which was the first construction of St Petersburg put up by Peter the Great in 1703 to provide protection from the Swedes. The Fortress Cathedral is the burial place of most of Russia's Tsars and Tsarinas from the 18th century onwards, including Peter the Great.
Afternoon at leisure.
Hotel: Hotel Angleterre
Room: Classic
Meals: Breakfast
Today travel with your private vehicle and guide outside the city to visit Tsarskoe Selo (renamed Pushkin in 1937 to commemorate the centenary of famous Russian poet death). You may visit the summer palace, created for Catherine I, expanded and redesigned for Empress Elizabeth and remodeled again for Catherine the Great. The baroque Catherine Palace, whose exterior features golden domes and blue and white facade mouldings, suffered extensive wartime damage, but is today a masterpiece of restoration thanks to the reinstatement of the world-famous amber room that enhances the interior that gleams and glitters with mirrors, chandeliers and gilded woodcarvings.
Afternoon at leisure.
Hotel: Hotel Angleterre
Room: Classic
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Tuesday 30 August -- St Petersburg: Hermitage & Peterhof
Today travel with your private vehicle and guide to the Hermitage museum. The museum is situated in the lavishly decorated Winter Palace and occupies six magnificent building with 3 million pieces of artwork from the Stone Age to modern times. The main building and largest part of the museum is the rococo-style Winter Palace, residence of the Czars from 1762 to 1917. The museum was commissioned by Catherine the Great and she and her successors built the Hermitage collection in large part with purchases of the private collections of the Western European aristocracy and monarchy.
Have lunch at leisure and travel outside the city to Petrodvorets (also known as Peterhof), the great summer estate and artistic gem of Peter the Great, nestled on the shore of the Gulf of Finland (part of the Baltic Sea). After his victory over the Swedes at Poltava in 1709, Peter decided to build a palace “befitting to the very highest of monarchs” and a visit to Versailles in 1717 furthered these ambitions. This magnificent estate that was officially opened in 1723. A prominent highlight is the Grand Cascade, a delightful sequence of 37 gilded bronze sculptures, 64 fountains and 142 water jets descending from the terraces of the Great Palace to the Marine Canal and the sea. The park features numerous palaces, summer houses and pavilions.
Afterwards you will be privately transferred to Volga Dream ship.
Hotel: MS Volga Dream
Cabin: Per choice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cruise the scenic Svir River, connecting Lake Onega and Lake Ladoga. Disembark in Mandrogi to experience daily life in a quaint wooden village. You may wish to visit the local crafts’ center to see how famous “matryoshka” dolls are hand painted.
Hotel: MS Volga Dream
Cabin: Per choice
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise Lake Onega to reach a tiny, picturesque Kizhy Island for a walking
tour. See the open-air Museum of Architecture, including the Church of the
Transfiguration, an onion-domed masterpiece with twenty-two cupolas
resembling something out of a Russian fairy tale. This amazing church was
built without a single nail.
Hotel: MS Volga Dream
Cabin: Per choice
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sail today on the White Lake, once known as the “czar’s fishing grounds.”
Dock in Goritsy and tour the Kirillov Belozersky Monastery, founded by the
hermit St. Cyril. The monastery contains the 13th-century Cathedral of the
Assumption, with superb frescoes.
Hotel: MS Volga Dream
Cabin: Per choice
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The oldest city on the Volga River, Yaroslavl was unharmed during World
War II, and many churches from the 13th to 17th centuries are intact. See the
Savior Transfiguration Monastery, adorned with murals depicting Saint
John’s apocalyptic visions. Visit the 17th century Church of Elijah the Prophet
with its most prized asset – frescoes painted by renowned artists of ancient
Russia. Visit a colorful farmer’s market to sample the fruit and buy local
foods. Walk the pedestrian street of Yaroslavl to look at the local people and
visit the local shops or an Internet café.
Hotel: MS Volga Dream
Cabin: Per choice
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive in Uglich, dating from the 10th century. A walking tour of this Golden
Ring city includes the Chapel of Dimitry, a 17th-century architectural treasure
built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s young son met his death. Visit the
five-domed Church of the Transfiguration, noted for its beautiful iconostasis,
and enjoy a concert of choral music.
Hotel: MS Volga Dream
Cabin: Per choice
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy scenic views of the Moscow – Volga man-made canal as the ship
approaches Moscow. Upon arrival to Moscow river port you will be met by your guide and driver to have half day sightseeing tour.Today have 4 hour afternoon sightseeing tour with you private vehicle and guide starting with magnificent Red Square visit. Red Square is the focal point of the city, the square lies on the east wall of the Kremlin surrounded by a thick red fortress wall containing 20 towers all at various intervals. Originally allotted for a market, the square itself appeared around the end of the 15th century when Ivan III ordered all wooden buildings in the vicinity of the Kremlin to be demolished to protect the Kremlin from fires.
Afterward travel to the New Maiden Convent, one of the city's most beautiful architectural ensembles with a long history behind its toothed walls. Founded as a fortress in the south of Moscow it gradually became a place of political activity. The adjacent New Maiden Cemetery is Moscow's most prestigious resting place after the Kremlin wall, containing the tombs of Chekhov, Shostakovich, Stanislavsky, Khrushchev, Gromyko, Molotov, Raisa Gorbachev and others.
Have a ride on Moscow Metro and visit the Park of Fallen Idols.
Afterwards you will be privately transferred to your hotel where you will be assisted with check in. Have evening to explore the city independently
You will be confirmed for 2 nights at the Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel in a Deluxe Double/Twin, inclusive of Bed & Breakfast (Full).
Hotel: Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast
Today have full day sightseeing tour with your private vehicle and guide. The tour will start with the State Armory, the oldest museum in Russia, home to a collection of precious stones, masterpieces of 18th and 19th century jewelry, priceless artifacts dating as far as the 14th century as well as impressive collection of carriages from the best Russian and European masters, precious fabrics, and royal gala clothes. The Armory is famous also for its fine collection of Faberge eggs.
Continue your tour with the Kremlin Territory. For centuries, the Kremlin has been witness to many famous and tragic events in Russia’s past and it’s a treasure trove of Russian history. Visit two of the Kremlin’s cathedrals: Assumption, the place of coronations and the burial church of religious leaders, and Archangel, the royal burial church.
After lunch at leisure visit the Tretyakov Gallery, containing the best collection of Russian art in the world. Reopened in 1995 after a nine-year renovation, it houses an outstanding display of pre-revolutionary Russian art as well as an extensive collection of icons.
This evening enjoy Farewell dinner at Bolshoi restaurant.
Hotel: Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel
Room: Standard
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you will be privately transferred to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
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The Angleterre was one of the first hotels in St Petersburg. In the 1920s it was a favourite destination for artists and poets. From its charming location overlooking St Isaac's Cathedral, it is perfectly placed for discovering the history and romance of the city |
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Located in Moscow city centre, within walking distance from Red Square and Bolshoi Theatre, Marriott Moscow Royal Aurora offers spacious accommodations with Butler service for each guest room - the only Moscow hotel that offers this fine service. Other amenities include in-room safe, mini-bar, WI FI Internet access, and DVD player. |
| Deck & Stateroom Type | Staterooms | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
SUN DECK |
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402, 403, 404 |
$8495 | -- | |
405 |
$7995 | -- | |
406 - 409, 411, 412 |
$6995 | -- | |
410 |
-- |
$9395 | |
PROMENADE DECK
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300 |
$9445 | -- | |
316 |
$7995 | -- | |
301-315, 317-324 |
$6695 | $8795 | |
325, 326 |
-- | $8595 | |
MAIN DECK |
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| Superior Stateroom | 201-210 | $6295 | $7895 |
CABIN DECK |
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| Standard Stateroom | 101-108 | $5995 | $7595 |
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View Deck Plan
A visa is required for Russia for American or Canadian passport holders. This must be obtained prior to travel to Russia. For current costs and to download forms, we recommend using Zierer Visa Service. To speak directly to ZVS Customer Service, call 866-788-1100 (toll-free in the U.S.). Please note that visas cannot be processed more than 90 days prior to departure and processing may take several weeks to complete. You may also apply directly with a Russian Consulate in your area. For information, google the Russian Consulate nearest you (e.g. Russian Consulate New York). You must have a valid passport that remains valid six months past your return to the U.S. You should also have a minimum of two empty passport pages.
None required or recommended. It is recommended you have your regular vaccinations up-to-date before traveling. For further information, visit the Center For Disease Control website.
Delta Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa are airlines that can be used for this trip. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to try to use Frequent Flyer Miles for free tickets or upgrades or the American Express Platinum card 2-4-1 program.
The departure is guaranteed. A Coda Tour Manager accompanies the tour on a minimum of 12 participants. (* Some modifications to the inclusions in the program may be made if participation is fewer than 12 travelers.)
• Tour rates are per person in U.S. dollars. Most major credit cards are accepted for Tour Deposit. Final payment is payable by personal check. Final payment by credit card is assessed a processing fee.
• Tour Rates include accommodations as listed in the itinerary, entertainment, special meals, air conditioned, motor coach, van or sedan transportation, sightseeing, luggage handling, admissions, local guides and drivers. Mineral water on busses and at meals.
• Arrival and departure transfers are included for those who purchase international air through Coda International Tours. Separate transfer costs will be charged to those who are not ticketed by Coda International Tours. Participants are required to provide Coda Tours with complete international flight details at least 2 weeks prior to the schedule tour departure date.
• Most meals are included as indicated in the itinerary. The meal codes are: B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner; R=Cocktail Reception. Participants with specific dietary requirements must inform Coda Tours at least 2 weeks prior to departure. Every effort will be made to accommodate special dietary needs where possible. Most meals taken as a group are pre-ordered. Local cuisine is given preference over Western choices.
• International airfare is not included. Coda Tour will be happy to assist with business, first or coach class airfares . If you are planning to use Frequent Flyer Miles for an upgrade or free ticket, we highly recommend booking your tour at least 7 months prior to departure.
• Passport and visa expenses (if required). Please check our Travel Documents requirements for this trip. Always double check that your passport will remain valid for at least 6 months past your return to the U.S. and that you have sufficient empty pages in your passport to accommodate visa and entry/exit stamps. Always carry a copy of your passport packed separately from your travel documents and leave a copy with someone at home.
• Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance which is highly recommended to protect your travel investment in the unlikelihood you would need to cancel or return home early. We recommend Travel Insured International and will send you an application form with confirmation of your trip. You may check the rates for insurance on their website at www.travelinsured.com. We also recommend insuring any expense for airline tickets issued prior to the determination if a tour is guaranteed to operate. We cannot assume responsibility for losses incurred due to the cancellation of a tour. All gratuities are included aboard Seabourn.
• Tips to guides and drivers are additional during the extensions. Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees (if applicable) and other optional incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
August / September |
St. Petersburg | Moscow |
| High | 66 |
68 |
| Low | 54 |
52 |
| Precipitation Inches | 3 |
2.8 |
MS VOLGA DREAM • 5-star deluxe, 109-guest capacity
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The newly rebuilt MS Volga Dream is the first truly luxurious floating hotel on the Russian historical waterways. The ship has 56 comfortable cabins, each, regardless of its category, having either a window or porthole, is equipped with air conditioning, safe deposit box, telephone, flat-screen TV offering international satellite TV programs, as well as various radio and music channel options.
| • 3 decks | • 57 staff members |
| • Rebuilt in 2007 | • Rich interiors |
| • 56 passenger cabins | • Delicious European food |
MS Volga Dream public areas include a lounge with panoramic windows, cozy library, fitness center and sauna.
Regional and international delicacies are served at a single seating in the elegant dining room.
| Overall length | 96m (314 ft) |
| Overall width | 14.5m (48 ft) |
| Bridge deck height above waterline |
13.2m (43 ft) |
| Draught | 2.5m (8.2 ft) |
| Main engine | 3x6L275B |
| Maximum speed | 25km/hour (13.5 knots) |
| Displacement | 1473 tonnes |
| Electrical voltage | 220V / 50Hz |
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Owner's Suite |
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Deluxe Double |
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Single Twin |