MOSCOW, UGLICH, GORITZY, KIZHI, AND ST. PETERSBURG
This incredible, air-inclusive Russia cruise is back by popular demand! On your journey through this storied country via the waterways, you’ll discover amazing architecture, unique palaces, old-world towns, and so much more. Sailing upstream we start in Moscow, bringing you to the iconic Kremlin, Red Square, and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Then, navigate through some of Russia’s oldest, most picturesque towns and cities. You’ll visit Uglich, Goritzy, Kizhi, and others to learn more about the country’s history and rural life. In captivating St. Petersburg, tour beautiful cathedrals, fascinating bridges, the Hermitage Museum, and Winter’s Palace, along with many other great sights. With reverse sailing also available, this cruise is the ultimate way to experience Russia!
Itinerary at
a Glance
- 10-night cruise
- Moscow
- Uglich
- Yaroslavl
- Goritzi
- Kizhi
- Mandrogi
- St. Petersburg
Tour
Highlights
Your Tour
Includes
- Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK)
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- 10-night cruise aboard the MS Moonlight Sonata
- Ground transportation in air-conditioned motor coach
- 29 meals: 10 buffet breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners
- A complimentary glass of wine, beer, or soda with dinner
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours including admission fees as indicated in the itinerary
- English-speaking Cruise Director & tour guides
Tour Itinerary
Moscow
Today you will have an early morning wake up with a delicious buffet breakfast aboard the ship. Start exploring Russia’s historic capital city with a panoramic bus tour that takes you to see all the best highlights of the city—Kremlin Towers, Red Square, Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Tverskaya street, and more! Break for lunch at a local restaurant and then take a comprehensive tour of the Kremlin, which explores the Palace of Congresses, Senate Square, and the Tsar bell and cannon. In addition, you’ll have the chance to admire Assumption Cathedral, Archangel Cathedral, and…
Moscow
Enjoy a day at your leisure around Moscow. We have a variety of optional activities and tours, or you can discover the city independently and immerse yourself in the local culture with a plethora of museums, parks, shops, cafes, and more throughout the city. Head back to the ship for lunch and departure for Uglich. We’ll provide you with a briefing about the route and Moscow Canal, and then gather for a fun welcome cocktail hour with the captain and crew of the ship. End the day with dinner, music, and dancing.
MS Moonlight Sonata | Breakfast,…
Uglich
After breakfast, learn more about the ancient town of Uglich, take a Russian language class, and dive into the world of Russian craft making. An optional craft-making class aboard the ship will also be available. Next, have lunch and head out on a walking tour to uncover the rich history and religious narratives found throughout Uglich, as we stop at the territory of the Kremlin, Dmitry on the Blood Church, and Transfiguration Cathedral. Arrive back at the ship to set sail for Yaroslavl. This evening, you’ll enjoy dinner, a charming Russian musical, and dancing.
MS…
Yaroslavl
Today we’ll arrive in Yaroslavl and have an early breakfast before heading out on a bus tour of this old-world city. Admire the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, explore the beautiful interior of the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and visit the Yaroslavl Art Museum (former Governor’s house) for an interactive experience with exhibits featuring 18th- to 20th-century Russian art. Back at the ship you’ll have lunch after departing for your next stop, Goritsy. This afternoon and evening, improve your Russian with another language class, along with a Russian songs class! Enjoy…
Goritsy
This morning after breakfast, your guide will teach you a bit more about the medieval town of Goritsy and escort you around to it’s fascinating sights including the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake, a significant structure built between the 15th and 16th century that also served as fortress and trading post. Inside this beautiful building is the Museum of Icons, where you can discover interesting art pieces, stone exhibits, manuscripts, and books. Back at the ship, as you set sail for Kizhi, you’ll have lunch and optional activities to take part in. Later on, delight in a…
Mandrogi
Following breakfast, your guide will share some information about Mandrogi, another old-world village featuring scenic landscapes and quaint wooden houses. You’ll be able to tour the area, browse craft exhibitions, and explore authentic Russian pie and pancake shops. For lunch, we’ll eat a “Shashlik” (kebab) BBQ lunch ashore, weather permitting. Upon returning to the ship, we’ll sail onward to our last destination, St. Petersburg. This evening we’ll gather for a Captain’s farewell dinner and put on a talent show!
MS Moonlight Sonata | Breakfast, Lunch,…
St. Petersburg
Begin your adventure in Russia’s iconic port city! This morning you will head out for a panoramic bus tour featuring Smolny Convent, Tavrichesky Palace, Summer Garden, Winter Palace, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and so many more exciting sights. Plus, explore the Spire of the Basil Island and tour the Peter and Paul Fortress. Return to the ship for lunch and then enjoy some free time to explore the city, relax in the music lounge aboard the ship, or join our optional Peterhof Gardens tour or Catherine’s Palace and Amber Room tour. Following dinner, we’ll also offer an optional St….
Guided Tour Pricing
| Depart | Return | Depart - Return | Best Value Pricing - Reserve by Sep 30, 2020 | Reserve after Sep 30, 2020 | Select Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2021 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| May 14 | May 25 | May 14 - May 25 | $3,199 | $3,299 | $3,699 | Book Now: |
| June 13 | June 24 | Jun 13 - Jun 24 | $3,299 | $3,399 | $3,799 | Book Now: |
| August 22 | September 2 | Aug 22 - Sep 2 | $3,499 | $3,599 | $3,999 | Book Now: |
| September 11 | September 22 | Sep 11 - Sep 22 | $3,199 | $3,299 | $3,699 | Book Now: |
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Single supplement for Category B Cabin (120 sq ft) is $1279.
Category A single bed cabin (105 sq ft) supplement is $599.
Jun 13 ’21 Departure: This is a reverse sailing
MS Moonlight Sonata
Rates are based on Category B cabins. Upgrade to higher category cabins:
- Cat. A, Junior Suite on the upper/boat deck with balcony: Add $749 per person
- Cat. A, Single Cabin on the upper/boat deck with balcony: Add $599
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00-9:00 EST and Sat-Sun, 10:00-6:30 EST) at 800-337-7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1-800-337-7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of $300 per person non-refundable, non-transferable deposit which must be received at the time of reservation*. A second non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $300 is due 60 days after the date of your reservation. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. *If the reservation date is within 70 days of the final payment due date, both first and second deposits are due at the time of reservation. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. For complete booking information and terms & conditions click here.
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
The tours below are a sample of the most popular optional excursions offered during this cruise. However, please note that some of the optional excursions are NOT available on all sailings, are dependent on the days/dates your ships are in port, and are subject to a minimum number of participants. The prices shown are estimates and are subject to change. A final list of optional excursions will be reconfirmed once on board.
Catherine's Palace & Amber Room
- St. Petersburg
- From approx. $89 USD Per Person
Please note that due to concerns regarding availability, you must sign up for this optional tour in advance of your final payment due date. This optional tour must be paid in full at that time.
Travel to Pushkino to visit Catherine’s Palace, the summer residence of the Russian imperial family. In 1710 Peter I presented these lands to his second wife Catherine I. Explore the palace and the surrounding park and learn of the long history behind this beautiful site. Tour seven of the main halls and rooms including the amber panels backed with gold leaf and mirrors in the…
Featured Accommodations
MS Moonlight Sonata
This first-class vessel received a face lift in 2019 with renovated public areas and brand new upgrades balcony cabins (Junior Suites) gracing the Upper Deck! In 2020 renovations continue with updates to 20 middle deck twin cabins including new furniture, bedding, and new tiled bathrooms with showers. Most importantly, the Moonlight Sonata will offer an artistic flair and excellent on board ambiance highlighted by an intensive cultural immersion into everything Russian, including lectures, dance lessons and evening shows performed in the ships theater! A young and vivacious crew will be…
Before You Depart
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Your flights from New York’s JFK Airport to Russia are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules. We recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 ½ hours before the scheduled departure.
| Departure Date | Airline | Depart New York | Arrive in New York |
| 2020: All Departures | Finnair | 7:00 PM | 2:45 PM |
Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least 3 ½ hours. Please keep in mind that flight schedules are always subject to change.
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
Please note that the above airlines do not assign seats in advance. Seat assignments can only be arranged upon check-in at the airport. Please note that smarTours is not involved in your seat assignment. It is between you and the airline!
PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION
You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. American citizens require a visa to enter Russia. Non U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates of the countries visited on this tour as to the most current visa requirements.
Since obtaining a visa requires an invitation letter (which we will secure), we arranged for “CIBT” to facilitate the visa process for you. Please click here to download instructions and forms. If you have any questions regarding obtaining your visa, you may call CIBT at 1-800-406-1523. Also, please note that visa procedures may change at any time. You should check with CIBT online at www.cibt.com, for the most up to date instructions and rates before submitting your paperwork. We suggest that you apply for your Russia visa 60 to 45 days before departure. Please note that if you wish to request an individual invitation letter (instead of the group invitation letter that we will provide) there will be an extra charge for doing so. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS & FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets along with final instruction and some additional travel tips will be sent to you 7 – 10 days before the scheduled departure of your tour. Please advise us in writing should your address change.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are NOT currently required; however, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities as to their suggestions.
CLIMATE
You may expect day time temperatures averaging in the 50’s in May, 60’s in June and September, 60’s and mostly 70’s in July through August. Nights will be cooler.
CREDIT CARDS & LOCAL CURRENCY
The official currency in Russia is the Ruble. However, during your visit, you will find that many places may accept cash payment in euros and US dollars in addition to rubles. Visa and Mastercard (not American Express) are accepted at most places- which must have a chip in the front and a 4 digit PIN number- similar to a debit card). Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (suitcase) max. 44 pounds and one carry-on piece. Carry on must not exceed 18”x10”x8”. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.