Imperial Cities & Waterways

May 17th to 31st 2008 and June 10th to 24th 2008
Fourteen days -- Thirteen nights

A special tour planned and hosted by Gerhard Meng,
highlighting a twelve night cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg
aboard the luxurious MS Tolstoy

Join me on an impressive journey as we enjoy a voyage through the heart of Russia along its colorful and historic waterways.  Explore bustling and excitement packed Moscow, then cruise north and visit the enchanting Golden Ring cities of Uglich, Kostroma and Yarolavl.  Continue along the Volga-Baltic Waterways and through Europe’s two largest lakes, Onega and Ladoga to St. Petersburg, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, spread over 101 islands and 66 canals.  One of the highlights will be an exclusive ballet performance at the Hermitage Theater, the private theater of the Czars.

The tour has been planned for your convenience.  All gratuities, port charges, shore excursions, transfers and porterage are included in the cost of the tour.  All meals, but one dinner and lunch are included.  Complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks are included with each dinner.  I will be available to meet all flight arrivals in Moscow on the day the tour begins and the day prior.  The tour price is guaranteed.

It would be my pleasure to have you join me!

Gerhard Meng, Director, Gerhard’s Odysseys

DAILY ITINERARY

Saturday, May 17th or Tuesday, June 10th – to Moscow
Departure for Moscow.  Relax on your overnight flight across the North Atlantic.

Sunday/Wednesday–Moscow
Arrive in the capital of Russia and the heart of the country. Moscow is the port of five seas and is the political, industrial, scientific and cultural center of the country.  Hosted welcome drink in the evening.
Moscow Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel.

Monday/Thursday – Moscow
Today you have time to experience the excitement of the city on your own.  We will enjoy a Welcome Cocktail Reception upon embarking on our ship.

Tuesday/Friday – Moscow
Our sightseeing includes Red Square, St. Basils, the Sparrow Hills, Tverskaya, and Lubyanka Square, with the old KGB building.  In the afternoon, we will visit the State Tretyakov Gallery, with the world’s finest collection of Russian art.

Wednesday/Saturday – Moscow
Our  sightseeing continues with a tour inside the Kremlin’s Walls.  The tour introduces us to the former royal residence of the Czar and main-center of the Russian Orthodox faith.  Visit the Armory Museum, Russia's oldest museum, which houses the former royal collection, a wide collection of treasures, including the world famous Faberge eggs.

Thursday/Sunday – Uglich
On the banks of the Volga, Uglich was founded in 1148.  We’ll admire some of Russia's most beautiful churches and cathedrals including the magnificent commemorative Church of Dimitry-on-the-Blood, with its tragic story of Ivan the Terrible’s son.

Friday/Monday – Kostroma
This Golden Ring city is as old as Moscow and its picturesque suburbs have long been a source of inspiration for many Russian artists.  It was here that the last Imperial dynasty, the Romanovs, came to power.  Our tour includes the Ipatiev Monastery, the Museum of Wooden Architecture and the city’s collection of 16th and 17th century architecture.

Saturday/Tuesday – Yaroslavl
This is one of Russia's oldest cities.  We’ll see the fortified 12th century monastery and the Church of Elijah the Prophet.  You’ll have time to wander the marketplace before we return to the ship.

Sunday/Wednesday – Goritsy
Goritsy is a peaceful farming town and a typical Russian village.  Our tour includes the Monastery of St. Cyril founded in 1937 and a Museum of icons.

Monday/Thursday – Kizhi
Kizhi is situated at the north end of Lake Onega and home to some of the most amazing wooden architecture in Russia.  Forever linked to Novgorod the Great, the style of architecture reflects its early introduction to Christianity.

Tuesday/Friday – Mandrogui
Mandrogui is a recreated Russian village, built to relive the traditions and crafts of Russia's by gone age.  Enjoy some free time strolling around this quaint village and maybe sample the local Vodka.

Wednesday/Saturday – St. Petersburg
One of Russia's former capitals, this city rivals Paris or Venice for its romantic image.  Dating from the beginning of the 18th century it was built on the orders of Peter the Great.  It is home to many museums, galleries, glittering palaces, impressive squares and broad boulevards.  Our tour of this beautiful city includes Palace Square, St. Issacs Cathedral and the battle cruiser Aurora.  We’ll tour the Hermitage museum, which houses one of the greatest collections of art treasures in the world.

Thursday/Sunday – St. Petersburg
Today we tour St. Petersburg's most famous and spectacular Imperial Palace - Peterhof.  This was once the splendid royal summer residence of Peter the Great with a wonderland of parks, landscaped gardens, and 173 fanciful fountains.

Friday/Monday – St. Petersburg
A day of leisure to stroll along one of the many picturesque canals, finish your last minute shopping or visit another museum.  You can choose from boutiques, department stores or tourist shops selling matryoshka dolls, amber and painted lacquered boxes.  In the evening we attend an exclusive Ballet performance at the Hermitage Theatre, the former private theatre of the Czars.

Saturday, May 31st or Tuesday, June 24th – return to USA.
Our adventure comes to a close this morning as we jet back to North America from St. Petersburg International Airport, arriving home the same day.

Questions?  Call us at 800-966-2402

PRICE PER PERSON:
May 17th departure $3,595 land cost, $650 single room surcharge
June 10th departure $3,695 land cost, $650 single room surcharge

Tour prices are guaranteed

TOUR COST INCLUDES:
• One night at the luxurious Moscow Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel
• Twelve nights aboard the MS Tolstoy, “D” category outside cabin.
• 36 meals -- buffet breakfast daily, eleven lunches & twelve specialty dinners,    including the Welcome & Farewell dinners on board the ship. 
• Complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks with all dinners.
• "Get Acquainted" reception at our hotel on Sunday evening.
• Land transport and transfers by motorcoach
• Personalized tours of most towns visited with local guide and entrance fees.
• All gratuities, port charges, taxes, and service charges for the restaurants, hotel staff,    coach drivers, local guides and the MS Tolstoy crew.  No additional tipping.
• Porterage and handling of luggage at all hotels and on the ship.
• Moscow Airport meeting of all flights, with transfer to the hotel.
• St. Petersburg Airport transfer and check-in assistance at end of tour.
• Laminated luggage tags and "tour information" packet.
• Other additional features mentioned in the itinerary.
• A careful balance of free time to pursue your own interests.
• Hosted by Gerhard Meng.
• Special feature: a brisk pre-breakfast or after dinner walk for those who would like      to start or finish the day with a bit of exercise.

GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 29 GUESTS MAXIMUM

RESERVATIONS:  Early reservations are essential.  A deposit of $850 per person is required at the time of booking.  An information packet will be forwarded with confirmation of your reservation and deposit.  Full and final payment is due 95 days prior to departure.

CABIN UPGRADES:  The ship has three passenger decks – “Main deck” is the lowest, “Upper deck” is the middle deck, and “Boat deck” is the top passenger deck.  The tour price is based on accommodations on the “Main deck”, category D (mid-ship).  All standard twin cabins are identical in size (115 square feet) with large picture windows that open. Jr. Suite cabins are 220 square feet with two large picture windows, a sitting area and two beds than can be joined.  The Suites are 330 square feet and have three large windows, a day room and a separate bedroom.  Jr. Suite and Suite cabins are on the “Boat Deck”.
The following upgrades are available: 
            Upper Deck, category B (mid-ship) – $350 per person supplement.
            Boat Deck, category Jr. Suite (mid-ship) – $1,655 per person supplement.
            Boat Deck, category Suite (mid-ship) – $2,650 per person supplement.

AIR TRANSPORTATION:  Air fare is not included in the tour price.  Plan to arrive in Moscow no later than May 18th and depart from St Petersburg on May 31st.  Please contact us if you need assistance.

The MS Tolstoy:

Enjoy total relaxation and uncommon comfort aboard our “floating hotel.”  Named after the famous author Leo Toslstoy, this unique ship is the most luxurious and comfortable cruise ship built for Russian rivers.  Constructed in Austria, the Tolstoy was designed for high ranking Kremlin officials and to host foreign dignitaries.  Unique for Russian ships, is the small indoor swimming pool with a sliding sun roof.  The ship was completely renovated in 2006 and accommodates a maximum of 160 guests in well appointed cabins.

The standard cabins are 20% larger than other Russian ships.  All cabins are outside, with private facilities, individual climate control and a large picture window that can be opened.  While sailing enjoy the scenery from the sun-deck or the viewing lounge with its panoramic windows, or relax in the library.  You may also wish to partake of the sauna and have a relaxing massage.  On board you will also find a souvenir shop, beauty shop and a medical doctor.  Other services on the ship include guest lectures on Russian history, culture, art, politics and economics.  There are on board music performances and Russian language classes.  The ship is completely non-smoking, except on the sun deck.  All details of the cruise tour aboard the Ms Tolstoy have been arranged by Amadeus Waterways of Chatsworth, California.

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