June 29 - July 10, 2013
Presented by Janet Blair, President,
Successfully Single, Inc. & World Traveler
While you're in Russia, a cruise down its greatest rivers can be a perfect opportunity
for you to better understand the Russian soul, world-known for its mysteriousness. A
Russian river cruise is not a simple trip from one point to another - it's an unforgettable
experience that will remain in your memory for all your life. While cruising down the
river in Russia, you can enjoy unique Russian cuisine and breathtaking folk music and
decorative arts and immerse yourself deeper in Russian history while visiting the
greatest Russian cities. A Russian river cruise is probably the best way to travel if you
want to fully enjoy the beauty of the Russian landscapes and the spectacular sunsets
along the Volga River!
The “Konstantin Fedin” is a comfortable
four-deck vessel. It is equipped with
modern navigational facilities and
exceeds the speed of 26 km per hour.
The ship was totally re-furbished and it is
re-decorated each year.
Passenger capacity: 250
Accommodations:
6 suites 100 twins
20 singles 9 Triples
The Russian Cruise Company holds more than 50 passenger ships capable of
transporting at least 200,000 passengers during the navigation period (from May till
October). They operate cruises along rivers of Volga, Don, Kama, the Moscow and
Volga Don canals, the Volga-Baltic waterway, Northern-Western rivers, lakes Ladoga
and Onega. As a cruise company, they offer a full-cycle all-inclusive tour product,
which means that they are responsible for all services provided to their customers
from the moment they arrive to Russia till the moment they leave.
Konstantin Fedin
Vessel features:
Restaurant
Restaurant-bar
Piano bar
Coffee bar
Ironing room
Conference hall
Souvenir store
Solarium
Sauna
Medical room
Fitness center
All cabins are outside
with large scenic
windows, equipped
with private facilities,
air-conditioning,
refrigerators and
220V sockets.
Included services:
Transfers airport-ship-airport for groups (min 20 pax); for groups less than 20
passengers, transfers can be organized for an extra charge
Luggage handling in river ports and on board the ship
Guaranteed accommodation according to your reservation
Full board catering (three meal/day) including dinner upon arrival and breakfast on
the departure day
Welcome “bread and salt” ceremony
Captain’s welcome cocktail reception
English\French\German\Spanish\Italian speaking board guides
On board entertainment including Russian language course and Russian songs
lessons, live music concerts, dancing music in bars nightly, Captain’s bridge tour, &
more!
Included excursion (in Moscow and St. Petersburg in air-conditioned busses)
Captain’s Farewell dinner (special menu)
Not included services:
Additional drinks and water in ship restaurant and drinks in on-board bars
Optional tours
Tips for the crew and ship staff - $7 - $8 USD per day
Day 1 & Day 2 – June 29 & 30 Detroit to St. Petersburg
After passing through customs and immigration, we will be
transported by bus from the airport to the ship. Transfer is
included for groups of 20 or more. Dinner will be served
until 11:30 pm.
The beautiful city Peter the Great founded in 1703 and it’s
capital from 1712-1914, has unbelievably sumptuous
palaces, onion-domed churches and the lovely Neva River.
Peter was inspired by London, Paris and Vienna and
carefully developed the city by plan, creating canals and
passageways that will remind you of Venice.
Most of the design remains intact today, testimony to the city’s pride and the inability of
Hitler to conquer the city during World War II. It's a fascinating place, with splendid
architecture and a lurid past that's fit for a romance novel. It is Russia's second-largest
city after Moscow, with 5 million inhabitants.
St. Petersburg was the capital of Imperial Russia from 1712 -1914 and remains it’s
cultural capital. All the big name composers such as Tchaikovsky & Tolstoy and more
have been affiliated with St. Petersburg. Art is a key attraction. The Hermitage, one of
the largest art museums in the world, is home to significant collections of Matisses,
Picassos and Rembrandts. Don’t miss a chance to see the Russian ballet performed
live.
Day 3 July 1 –St. Petersburg
After breakfast, depart for a bus city tour
to Smolny Convent, Tavrichesky Palace,
Summer Garden, Palace embankment,
Winter palace, the Spire of the Basil
Island (buildings of Stock Exchange,
Kunstkamera, Zoo Museum), Bronze
Horseman, buildings of the Senate and
the Synod, St.Isaac´s cathedral, Nevsky
prospect - The Church of the Savior,
Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan,
Gostiny Dvor, Catherine II
monument.Tour to Peter and Paul
Fortress. Walking tour: the Boat house,
Peter I monument, Commandant´s
house, Nevsky Gate, St.Peter and
Paul´s Cathedral
Day 4 – July 2 St. Petersburg
After breakfast we visit the Hermitage
Museum – the actual tour order of the
halls may vary. Egyptian hall, War Gallery
of 1812, St. George Hall, the Peter the
Great (Small Throne) Room, Italian Art
Collection (Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael,
Titian, Michelangelo), Dutch Art
(Rembrandt), French Art (Impressionists),
Spanish Art (Ribera, Velázquez))
The Hermitage is one of the largest and oldest
museums in the world. It was founded in 1764 by
Catherine the Great and has been open to the
public since 1852. Its collections, of which only a
small part is on permanent display, comprise some
3,000,000 items, including the largest collection of
paintings in the world. The collections occupy six
historic buildings along Palace Embankment,
including the Winter Palace, a former residence
of Russian emperors.
Day 4 – July 2 St. Petersburg
In the afternoon there will be an optional tour to
Peterhof Palace, a series of palaces and gardens laid
out on the orders of Peter the Great. These Palaces
and gardens are sometimes referred as the "Russian
Versailles". The palace-ensemble along with the city
centre is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site.
The magnificence of Peterhof, Peter the Great's
summer imperial palace on the Gulf of Finland on
Baltic Sea, is somewhat reminiscent of Versailles
near Paris. Peter the Great visited Versailles in 1717
and he returned to St. Petersburg with many ideas
for enhancing his summer palace and grounds, which
were already under construction. The palace sits in
1500-acres of formal gardens and park, and its 173
glorious fountains are fed by underground springs
that are 14 miles away. Like the Catherine summer
palace, Peterhof was almost in ruins following World
War II. However, many photos of Peterhof allowed
reconstruction of the magnificent palace and park.
Day 5 – July 3 St. Petersburg
Enjoy a full day at leisure or take the optional tour of Pavlovsk and Pushkin
Pavlovsk, dating from the late 18th to the 19th
century, was a summer residence of the Russian
emperor Paul I and his family. Its architects were
amongst the greatest of the period. The rooms of
the Pavlovsk palace are decorated with natural and
artificial marble, molding and paintings. The interior
decor blends well with the magnificent objects of
decorative and applied art, such as vases of
semiprecious stones from the Urals and Altai
mountains, ornamental metalwork, porcelain,
colored glass, ivory, amber and many other objects
fashioned by skilled craftsmen from designs by
architects working in Pavlovsk. West European
objects of art, such as paintings, bronzes, fabrics,
furniture and so forth, were also acquired specially
for the palace. The landscape park, one of the
largest in Europe, covers an area of 600 hectares.
After the end of the World War II the palace was
restored, and today it is the only completely restored
palace in the suburbs of St. Petersburg. All 45
rooms are open to the public.
Day 5 – July 3 St. Petersburg
Pushkin was the main summer residence of the
royal family, name in honor of the Russian poet,
Alexander Pushkin whose life was closely
connected to this town. The main landmark is
Catherine Palace. It features splendid interiors,
designed by eminent architects. The collection
of the palace includes a large number of
precious works of art, such as furniture,
porcelain, statues, canvases and so forth,
including personal belongings of Russian
emperors and members of their families. One of
the most remarkable interiors of Catherine
Palace is the Amber Room. During the palace
excursion you will get to know about the
mysterious history of the Amber room and see
the restored interiors. The grounds, known as
Catherine Park is an extremely poetic part of
the palace. It is a magnificent work of creative
labor by several generations of talented
Russian architects, sculptors, gardeners,
engineers and thousands of craftsmen and
working people of various specializations.
Day 6 – July 4 Mandrogui
Inhabited by talented craftsmen, Mandrogui is a reconstructed village, built on the
bank of the Svir River to illustrate the traditions and lifestyle of Russia's past.
Experience provincial Russian lifestyle, watch the artisans and craftsmen making
“matryoshkas” (Russian nesting dolls), carving wood, sewing, and ... visit the
Vodka Museum, which boasts 250 varieties of the national drink.
In the afternoon we enjoy a shahshlik
in a tent ashore. Then we depart for
Kizhi in the mid-afternoon. Russian
dance class and language class
aboard. Delightful folk music concert
after dinner.
Day 7 – July 5 Kizhi
Situated to the northeast of Lake Onega, the
island of Kizhi is home to the open-air
museum of fascinating wooden architecture.
Walking on the island, you can see old
wooden churches, chapels, bell towers,
peasant houses, granaries, barns, windmills,
bathhouses which were all brought from
around the Onega region to illustrate the
architecture common to the Russian North.
The focal point, referred to as the Kizhi
Ensemble, comprises the awe-inspiring 22domed Transfiguration Cathedral (1714), the
Church of Intercession (1774) and the bell
tower between the two. Another significant
structure is the modest Chapel of the
Resurrection of Lazarus. Built in 1391, it is the
oldest standing wooden church in Russia.
In the afternoon, we depart for Goritsy. On the
way there, we enjoy a Russian language
class, visit to the captain’s bridge and learn
about the Russian tea culture.
Day 8 – July 6 Goritsy
After breakfast, play Russian Bingo and take
part in a Russian Song Class before arriving
in Goritsy. Goritsy is home to the
Resurrection Convent, standing at the
shoreline. Next we visit one of the Orthodox
strongholds of Old Russia, the Monastery of
St. Cyril on the White Lake. Founded in the
14th century, the monastery has preserved
its remarkable architecture and fascinates the
visitors by its majestic churches enclosed
within austere fortress walls. The monastery
is also famous for its museum of icons some
of them are the oldest in Russia.
In the afternoon there is an optional Vodka
and Blini Tasting Party and a Master class of
Painting Russian Dolls “Matryoshka.”
Enjoy an included Russian Dance Class, a
Pirate’s Game “Seeking for Treasure” before
delighting in a traditional Pirate Dinner and
musician’s concert.
Day 9 – July 7 Uglich
After breakfast, we embark on a city tour of
Uglich. Uglich is the town where one of the most
momentous events of the Russian history took
place in the 16th century. It was then that the
last member of the Ruirik dynasty, the young
Tsarevich Dmitry was murdered. That dreadful
event gave rise to what later became known as
the time of trouble and only after 15 years the
Romanov’s dynasty’s succeeding to the throne.
In Uglich we visit Dmitry on the Blood Church
and Transfiguration Cathedral. After lunch we
depart Uglich for Moscow.
In the afternoon, we enjoy a Russian Songs
Class and Russian Language Class onboard
before rehearsing for the Talent Show.
This evening is the Captain’s Dinner (elegant
dress) and the talent show performed by our
guests, for our guests.
Day 10 July 8 – Moscow
After breakfast, we watch a film about the cruise and the board guides answer any
questions we have about Russia. After lunch we are welcomed to Moscow, the city
that never sleeps, the third Rome, the place that enjoys diversity and the capital of
Russia. Moscow is the largest city of this country with almost 11 million inhabitants.
During your stay you will get to know the history of the city and to visit the most
prominent sights of Moscow- the breathtaking Red Square with the beautiful St.
Basil’s cathedral, GUM, and the Kremlin. The Cathedral was ordered by Ivan the
Terrible to mark the 1552 capture of Kazan from Mongol forces. It was completed in
1560. GUM is a famous Department Store on Moscow's Red Square. We will also
visit the Kremlin and its famous insides, Tverskaya street and the Bolshoi Theatre.
There is so much excitement waiting for you in the city of Moscow.
In the evening there is an optional tour of Moscow by night.
Day 11 July 9 – Moscow
After Breakfast we depart for the Kremlin tour and Archangel or Annunciation Cathedral.
The Kremlin, is a historic complex at the heart of Moscow, overlooking the Moskva River,
Saint Basil's Cathedral and Red Square and the Alexander Garden. It includes four
palaces, four cathedrals and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers. The
complex serves as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation.
There is an optional Armory Chamber Tour at noon. The Chamber preserves ancient
state regalia, ceremonial tsar’s vestments and coronation dress, vestments of the
Russian Orthodox Church’s hierarchs, the largest collection of gold and silverware by
Russian craftsmen, ceremonial weapons and arms, horse and carriage harnesses.
After lunch onboard, we can enjoy free time in the city center, an optional Russian
Circus and an optional folk show “Kostroma.”
Dining on the Russian River Cruise
Many of you will agree that excellent catering is one of
the most important aspects of perfect vacations. That’s
why the staff pay specific attention to the meals served
on board. Strict attention to details, unwavering
customer service, trained professionals and fantastic
food makes it the best in its sphere.
Perfect combination of European and Russian cuisine
will allow you not only to try new tastes of Russia, but
also to enjoy the well-known Western dishes. The choice
menu system will give you a chance to select your dish
out of three equally delicious alternatives.
Complicated salads, appetizing soups, classy main
courses and scrumptious desserts will satisfy the taste of
the most sophisticated gourmets!
Get ready for an innovative and creative food journey
that is centered around providing exquisite food for an
exquisite cruise!
The Cuisine of Russian
Unfortunately, Russian cuisine hasn’t made it big in the States. However, that
leaves one more facet of Russian culture to discover on your own while you’re
traveling. Visitors to Russia are often surprised at the variety and flavors of
Russian traditional foods. A great many can be described as “divine,” and they will
have you searching for the recipes when you return home!
So what are some of the most common traditional foods on a traditional Russian
restaurant’s menu?
Borshch - beet soup, and one of the most famous Russian traditional foods.
Pirozhki - These little pastries can be packed full of potatoes, meat, cabbage, or
cheese.
Caviar or ikra - is really something to get worked up about in Russia. It is often
served on dark, crusty bread or with blini, which are like pancakes or crepes.
Blini - are also served rolled with a variety of fillings: jam, cheese, onions, or even
chocolate syrup.
Shashlyk - Russian kebabs that are a combination of meat and vegetables.
Pelmeni - pastry dumplings filled typically with meatballs. They can be served
alone, slathered in butter and topped with sour cream, or in a soup broth.
Smetana - You can expect to find sour cream, or, accompanying almost any
Russian traditional food—with crepes, in soups, and even sometimes in dessert.
Often, this sour cream is fresh and often melts into any warm dish, adding to its
distinctive flavor.
Morozhenoe - Russians love ice cream. It is common to find it on many restaurant
menus with a variety of topping to choose from- fruit, nuts, or chocolate.
Expect to find Russian vodka, tea, mineral water, and soda on beverage
menus. Beer in Russia is also very popular.
Russian souvenirs reflect the national character and soul of Russian
people so exactly and bright that you can enjoy looking at and
studying them endlessly. They are as colorful and ornate as the city’s
famed palaces and cathedrals.
Russian Furs
The Russian Fur trade remains the largest in the world. 750,000 furs are sold
there annually. Fur coats, jackets, vests, hats, gloves and accessories are
favorite Russian luxuries to bring home.
Nesting dolls
Matreshkas, or nesting dolls, are the most popular national Russian souvenirs.
Matreshka is a descendant of traditional peasant toys that parents used to
make for their children.
Birch Boxes
Birch bark items are made of pure birch or can be decorated
by cutting through birch and stamping. Stamping on birch is one of the oldest
handicrafts. The production of birch bark items was very popular in Russia.
Ceramics
Ceramics - porcelain, faience, majolica, and pottery - are made of fired clay with
mineral components. Ceramic items are performed in traditional national style
but with artists' individual vision.
Lacquer boxes
The first lacquer boxes appeared in Japan and China. Starting from the 16th
century, the art of making such boxes spread in Western Europe. The first
Russian lacquer boxes appeared at the beginning of the 18th century.
Russian Visa
To travel to Russia all foreign citizens are required to have Entry Visa. Russian visas
for foreigners can be obtained at a local Russian Embassy or Consulate. To have a
visa processed, official letter of invitation issued by the Federal Migration Service
Department or specially authorized travel agencies is required.
The cruise line will issue this letter of invitation to each
person who signs up for the cruise.
After receiving the invitation, you must apply for the visa.
Requirements:
Letter of invitation
Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay in Russia, with at least two
adjacent blank visa pages available for Russian visa stamp.
For single visa requests: one original Russia visa application completed online,
printed and signed; plus one copy.
One recent passport type photograph per application, in color, front view and with a
plain/white background. Glasses should not be worn in the photo unless the photo in
the original passport includes glasses.
The Value of Buying Direct
Sharper Image:
$13.95
International Silver:
$5.95
Lucky Silver (Direct):
$1.95
__________________________________________________________________
Viking River Cruises:
$3906
Gate 1 Travel:
$2099
Vodohod Best Russian Cruises (Direct):
$1499
Day 12 – July 10 Trans Atlantic Flight from Moscow to Detroit
Estimate net fare per passenger $1,147.00
Carrier-imposed international surcharge & taxes (subject to change at date of ticketing) $664.87
Ticketing fee per passenger $25.00 TOTAL: $1836.87 USD
June 29, 2013
Depart DL 234 on 06/29/13 at 19:40 from DETROIT WAYNE COUNTY AIRPORT.
Arrive 09:45 06/30/13 at AMSTERDAM SCHIPHOL AIRPORT
Depart KL 1395 06/30/13 AMSTERDAM at 12:45
Arrive SCHIPHOL AIRPORT SAINT PETERSBURG PULKOVO AIRPORT at 17:35 on 06/30/13
July 10, 2013
Depart DL 031 07/10/13 at 11:40 from MOSCOW SHEREMETYEVO AIRPORT
Arrive at NEW YORK JOHN F. KENNEDY at 13:50
Depart DL 475 on 07/10/13 from NEW YORK JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT at
18:15
Arrive at DETROIT WAYNE COUNTY AIRPORT at 20:43
Day 12 – July 10 Arrive Home in Detroit
We arrive back at home around 9:00 pm with new friends, memories to
last a lifetime and perhaps a new appreciation for the county we live in.
Thank you for attending. I hope you’ll decide to join us on this
wonderful journey to a land of romance and imagination, with fabulous
palaces and cathedrals that will take your breath away, with it’s unique
artistic heritage, stunning scenery and amazing hospitality.