On this comprehensive 16-day adventure, admire a breathtaking sunset in Finland then take in European architecture on your cruise along the river in St. Petersburg. You'll be in the lap of luxury as your ship was built specifically for cruising the rivers of Russia, will outside cabins perfect for catching views of the countryside.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Helsinki

Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Helsinki aboard an internationally recognized airline.

Day 2 - Helsinki

Welcome to the Finnish capital! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and assists with the transfer to your hotel. Take time to get settled in and perhaps take a stroll. If you’ve taken our pre-tour extension, join the rest of your tour today. Tonight, dinner is included with your fellow travelers. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Helsinki

This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of culturally rich Helsinki. Start in Kauppatori, the market square and fish market, where you’ll get a quick introduction to Finnish life. Glimpse the iconic Havis Amanda mermaid statue on the edge of market square and see the Presidential Palace. You’ll also view the Temppeliaukio Church, which literally means Church in the Rock. It has to be seen to be believed. (B)

Day 4 - St. Petersburg

Travel by train from Helsinki to St. Petersburg. After checking into your hotel, join an included excursion to Petrodverets (Peter's Place), a massive estate commissioned by Peter the Great to rival the grand palace and chateaux of European royalty. What you'll see, like most buildings in St. Petersburg, is a re-creation. The original was almost entirely destroyed during World War II. Enter the interior and wander through the elaborate gardens before returning by hydrofoil. (B)

Day 5 - Cruise

This morning, travel to the suburb of Pushkin, home of Catherine’s Palace and gardens. One of the best examples of Russian baroque architecture, the Nazis leveled the palace during World War II. Restoration still continues to this day. On your visit inside, check out the art gallery and hear about the famous Amber Room, a treasure room looted by fascists 60 years ago. Later, you’ll embark your cruise ship where dinner is included tonight. (B, D)

Day 6 - Cruise

Continue your discovery of St. Petersburg on this morning’s sightseeing tour. An expert local guide leads you through this European-flavored city. You’ll see Palace Square, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Nevsky Prospekt, the Alexander Nevsky Monastery and the Summer Garden. Then enter the Peter & Paul Fortress, an impenetrable prison that once held the radical author Dostoevsky.  Following an included dinner, you'll enjoy this evenings special event—a ballet performance located at the Hermitage. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Cruise

Arrive early—before general admission opens—for a special entry into the Hermitage, located in historic Palace Square. The museum and surrounding buildings are the size of a small town. Contained within these four linked buildings is one of the most extensive and engaging collections of art and artifact in the world. Peruse work by the likes of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Matisse, Picasso, Monet and Degas. Gaze at the Gold Collection and set your eyes on the treasures of Tsarist jewelry. Tonight, you’ll depart for Mandrogi while you eat dinner on your ship. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Cruise

Saying farewell to St. Petersburg, cruise off to the market village of Mandrogi. Examine its traditional log cabins constructed in the old Russian style. You might opt to visit the vodka museum, featuring hundreds of different brands and kinds of vodka, or enjoy a typical Russian meal with tea. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Cruise

Reach Kizhi Island, affectionately called the “Island of Games” for its native rituals. There, you’ll visit the open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture, a collection of wooden homes, windmills and churches. Admire the 22 onion domes of the Church of the Transfiguration and the Church of the ntercession. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Cruise

This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Goritsky, part of a circle of ancient towns around Moscow referred to as the Golden Ring, for its deep roots in history, art and architecture. You’ll visit the Kirrilo-Belozershy Monastery before enjoying dinner on your ship. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - Cruise

Your next port of call is Uglich, an age-old town famous for its clock and watch making. The city also contains two of Russia’s most historic churches. On a walking tour of the city, you’ll view the Cathedral of the Resurrection, noted for its beautiful blue cupolas dotted with golden stars. Then learn about Russia’s often violent past with a look at the Church of St. Demetrius of the Blood. Return to your cruise ship later that day. (B,L,D)

Day 12 - Cruise

Reaching Moscow by the afternoon, you’ll take a guided sightseeing tour of the historic Russian capital. You’ll also visit the New Maiden Convent, a unique 16th-17th century architectural enemble. Enclosed by a crenellated wall with 12 towers, the convent comprises several buildings intended to serve not only as a religious institution but also as a defense fortification. Return to your boat where tonight’s dinner is included. (B,L,D)

Day 13 - Cruise

Explore the walled palaces, buildings and churches of the Kremlin, the seat of Russian government power for some of the most turbulent years in world history. On your guided tour, see the Tsar Cannon, Tsar Bell, Ivan the Great Bell Tower and the famous, breathtaking Cathedral Square, including the Annunciation, Archangel and Assumption cathedrals. You’ll also visit the Armory, a collection of Russia’s treasures from the last few centuries. After lunch and some free time before returning to your cruise ship this evening for dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 14 - Cruise

Disembark your cruise ship today and spend its remainder exploring Moscow on your own. View St. Peter’s Cathedral and explore the GUM (State) department store, built in the 19th century to house 1,000 shops. Then enjoy an included dinner tonight. (B,L,D)

Day 15 - Moscow

On this morning’s sightseeing tour, enter the Tretyakov Gallery of Fine Arts. Once a private collection and now a national museum, the gallery is home to Russian icons as well as rare pre-revolutionary art. Tonight, dine in the Red Square, followed by another treat—a performance of the famous Bolshoi Moscow Circus. (B,L,D)

Day 16 - Moscow

Transfer to the airport and board your flight home. (B)