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Overview
Dates Sep 07 — Sep 20, 2008
Activity Level Moderately active
Russia is a land of incomparable intrigue: vibrantly painted churches coexist with somber Soviet-era buildings; traditional Orthodoxy flourishes alongside modern capitalism. Take an in-depth look at this fascinating country aboard the elegant Volga Dream. Marvel at the infamous Kremlin in Moscow, and the centuries-old grandeur of gleaming St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Enjoy local folk performances, and come face-to-face with some of the world's most impressive Russian icons. Cruise through Europe's two largest lakes--Ladoga and Onega--and past the serene horizon of Kareliya, a serene wilderness area laced with Russian and Scandinavian settlements. And on the island of Kizhi, view the 22-domed wooden Transfiguration Church, built without a single nail. Through specially-arranged programs, including intimate conversations with high-level dignitaries, private tours of palaces and museums, and engaging cultural performances at renowned venues, gain insight into the complex nature of Russia today.
To download a full brochure for this program, click the PDF button at the top right side of this page.
Map
Itinerary
- Days 1 and 2 — U.S. / Moscow, Russia
- Day 3 — Moscow
- Day 4 — Moscow / Embark the Volga Dream
- Day 5 — Uglich
- Days 6 — Yaroslavl
- Day 7 — Goritzy
- Day 8 — Kizhi Island
- Day 9 — Lake Onega / Svir River / Lake Ladoga
- Day 10 — Valaam
- Days 11, 12, and 13— St. Petersburg
- Day 14 — St. Petersburg / U.S.
Highlights
Program Leaders
Mariana Carpinisan
I invite you to join me for a rare opportunity to explore Russia while cruising along its enchanting waterways aboard the elegant Volga Dream. I am an art historian with more than twenty years of curatorial and educational museum experience, and with a background in university teaching. Through illustrated lectures, I will introduce you to the extraordinary diversity of architectural styles in Russia, as well as the development and transformation of art over the course of Russia's fascinating and tumultuous history. I look forward to sharing with you this part of the world which I have grown to know intimately after years of intensive study, exploration, and contemplation.
Bert Patenaude
Bert Patenaude is a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, a lecturer at Stanford University, and an expert on Soviet studies. His lectures will cover the Soviet legacy in today's Russia and the extent to which Russia has overcome its Soviet past. Author of the award-winning book, The Big Show in Bololand: The American Relief Mission to Soviet Russia in the Famine of 1921, he will discuss the extraordinary famine relief story in the larger context of the special relationship between Russia and the U.S., starting in the 19th century and continuing through the Cold War.
Sponsors
Smithsonian Journeys
Stanford University Alumni Association
Accommodations
Cruise Ship
The Volga Dream
Rebuilt and redesigned in 2006, the 100-passenger Volga Dream sets a high standard of luxury and service on Russian waterways. Each elegantly appointed cabin features outside views as well as a host of amenities including temperature controls, satellite flat-screen TV, safety deposit box, and minibar. Public areas include a fitness center with sauna, a library, boutique, outdoor bar with teak furniture, and a wood-paneled lounge. The charming dining room serves all passengers in a single seating.
Program Rates
Airfare
International airfare from the U.S. to Moscow, with return flight from St. Petersburg, is not included in the program rates. High Country Passage is happy to assist you in making all of your air travel arrangements for this tour.
Program Rates
From $8,595 per person, double occupancy; $13,755 single