Hidden Gems of Russia's Heartland - St. Petersburg to Moscow Aboard Volga Dream - MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE - Bennington Museum
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MUSEUM
TRAVEL
ALLIANCE
Hidden Gems of Russia’s Heartland
St. Petersburg to Moscow Aboard Volga Dream
June 9 – 19, 2022
MUSEUM
TRAVEL
ALLIANCE
Dear Travelers and Friends,
As the proverb goes, “To know Russia is to know the Volga.” Sailing the Volga River was a royal tradition for
Russia’s imperial rulers, including Peter the Great. In June 2022, join the Museum Travel Alliance for three nights in stately
St. Petersburg, followed by a six-night voyage along some of Russia’s most picturesque lakes and a fabled stretch of the
Volga, Europe’s longest river. You will be joined by an world-renowned expert in European paintings from The Metropolitan
Museum of Art. This personal access to scholars is a feature of all trips from the Museum Travel Alliance.
You will sail in luxury aboard the appropriately named Volga Dream, redesigned and refitted for your safety and
comfort. As you travel from St. Petersburg to Moscow, step off to explore charming medieval towns throughout the Russian
heartland, beholding dazzling vistas not often seen by international visitors. Look up to see swirling onion domes atop
multicolored cathedrals, and wander through graceful monasteries adorned with breathtaking murals and frescoes.
Begin your three-night exploration of St. Petersburg with a before-hours viewing of the treasures in the
Hermitage Museum. Enjoy panoramic city views from the Peter and Paul Fortress, the final resting place of various
Romanovs, and travel to Peterhof, Peter
the Great’s magnificent complex of
HIGHLIGHTS palaces and gardens, with a special tour
of the luxurious Royal Bathhouse. Delight
ENJOY a before-hours tour of the vast Hermitage in a perusal of the gleaming confections
Museum in St. Petersburg, founded in 1764 and home within the Fabergé Museum before
to one of the world’s greatest art collections, with boarding the elegant Volga Dream.
masterpieces from Italian Renaissance masters and many Take in stunning scenery as you
more gems cross Europe’s largest freshwater lake, and
call at Svirstroy, where you will have the
EXPERIENCE the imperial treasures of St. Petersburg rare opportunity to observe Russian village
on special tours, including an exploration of Peter the life through the eyes of local residents.
Great’s grandiose complex of palaces and gardens at Arrive on the magical island of Kizhi,
Peterhof, a behind-the-scenes look at Catherine the UNESCO-listed for its striking architecture,
Great’s luxurious Royal Bathhouse, and an up-close viewing including a towering wooden church
of the iconic, ornate Easter eggs at the Fabergé Museum constructed without nails. In Goritsy,
admire extraordinary medieval Russian
SAIL the elegant Volga Dream to sail the scenic frescoes inside the Ferapontov Monastery.
waterways of Russia, stepping off in historic Golden Ring Visit marvelously well-preserved Yaroslavl,
towns, where onion-domed churches, colorful wooden the oldest city on the Volga. In medieval
cottages, and medieval fortresses abound Uglich, attend a special a cappella concert
inside a 15th-century lakeside church with
EXPLORE less-visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exceptional acoustics.
including the Ferapontov Monastery, with its fully preserved
15th-century frescoes from Russian master Dionisy; and Disembark in the Russian capital,
the fairy-tale island of Kizhi, with its multi-domed wooden where you may enjoy an optional two-
churches, amazingly built entirely without nails night postlude. I hope you join us for this
astonishing voyage into the history and
MINGLE with the friendly local residents of the majesty of Russia.
riverside village of Svirstroy, who will share fascinating Sincerely,
stories of life since the fall of the Soviet Union
DELIGHT in the stirring voices of an intimate choral
ensemble, enhanced by the flawless acoustics at the Jim Friedlander,
Cathedral of the Transfiguration in Uglich President, Museum Travel Alliance
Hidden Gems of Russia’s Heartland
St. Petersburg to Moscow Aboard Volga Dream
June 9 – 19, 2022
Kizhi
Lake
Svir River Onega MONDAY, JUNE 13: ST. PETERSBURG /
Lake Svirstroy EMBARK VOLGA DREAM
Ladoga
Baltic Visit the neoclassical Shuvalov Palace, now home to the
Sea White
Vo Fabergé Museum. The museum houses an extensive
lga erwa Lake
Wa
St. Petersburg
— Goritsy collection of decorative arts, including the famous and
t
Ba
refined collection of nine imperial Fabergé Easter eggs.
ltic
y
Later, stroll to St. Isaac’s Cathedral, with its gilded dome
RUSSIA and lavish interiors. Gather for lunch, then embark Volga
Dream to start an enchanting six-night cruise. Familiarize
Lake
Yaroslavl
yourself with the exceptional amenities on board as we
Rybinskoye
cast off for our adventure. This evening, mingle with
Volga River
Uglich Volga River fellow travelers at a captain’s welcome cocktail party
before dinner. B,L,R,D
Moscow — Volga
Canal
TUESDAY, JUNE 14: SVIRSTROY
Moscow Begin the day standing on deck for a grand natural
Volga Dream
spectacle as Volga Dream sails through Lake Ladoga,
Europe’s largest freshwater lake, passing graceful willow,
THURSDAY, JUNE 9: DEPARTURE
alder, and pine trees along the banks. Later, at the first port
Depart for St. Petersburg, Russia on an overnight flight.
of call, the village of Svirstroy, you will be welcomed into
FRIDAY, JUNE 10: ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA a local resident’s home for tea with jam and pirozhki (local
Arrive in this former imperial capital in the afternoon, and pies). Learn about Russian traditions and village lifestyle
transfer to the elegant Hotel Astoria for the next three from our hosts before visiting the nearby town. Return to
nights. Enjoy a welcome cocktail party, with the remainder Volga Dream for the remainder of the afternoon. B,L,D
of the afternoon and evening at leisure. R
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15: KIZHI
SATURDAY, JUNE 11: ST. PETERSBURG Step off on the tiny island of Kizhi, a UNESCO World
Delight in a special visit to the world-renowned Hermitage Heritage Site on Lake Onega, the second largest lake in
Museum before opening hours. Savor this splendid art Europe. See the Kizhi State Open Air Museum of History,
palace, exploring its unparalleled masterpieces with rare Architecture and Ethnography, including its fairy-tale Church
intimacy, when crowds are few. Enjoy a welcome lunch of the Transfiguration. This afternoon back on Volga Dream,
nearby. Walk to the Peter and Paul Fortress, the final resting learn to make traditional crêpes and dumplings (blini and
place of various Romanovs, and enjoy panoramic views pelmeni) at an onboard cooking class. B,L,D
of the city. This evening, attend a welcome reception and
dinner at a special venue. B,L,R,D
Church of the Transfiguration, Kizhi
SUNDAY, JUNE 12: ST. PETERSBURG
This morning, travel to Peterhof, Peter the Great’s
magnificent complex of palaces and gardens, which has
been renovated to its former Baroque splendor after near-
destruction during World War II. In a wonderful highlight,
delight in a special visit to explore the Royal Bathhouse,
where Catherine the Great took her baths. Take a private
hydrofoil back to St. Petersburg for an afternoon at leisure.
Gather this evening to cruise along the city’s famous canals,
and experience the “White Nights,” a period when round-
the-clock daylight illuminates St. Petersburg. Enjoy a light
reception of wine and canapés while sailing past its pastel
palaces and monuments. Dinner is at leisure. B,L,RTHURSDAY, JUNE 16: GORITSY SATURDAY, JUNE 18: UGLICH
Cross Lake Beloye—formerly known as “the tsar’s fishing Visit Uglich, whose medieval buildings loom above a
grounds.” Then visit the UNESCO-listed Ferapontov sharp bend in the river. At the five-domed Church of
Monastery, whose frescoes are considered among the the Transfiguration, an a cappella concert creates a
most extraordinary examples of medieval Russian art. starkly beautiful contrast with the glittering iconostasis
Enjoy free time in this peaceful village, or tour the 14th- surrounding the singers. Learn about the important role
century Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery (“the Monastery of Uglich played in the rise of the Romanov Dynasty at
St. Cyril on the White Lake”), once one of the most the Chapel of Dimitry, built on the site where Ivan the
important in Russia. B,L,D Terrible’s youngest son met his fate. Tonight, join the
captain for a farewell reception and dinner. B,L,R,D
FRIDAY, JUNE 17: YAROSLAVL
In the morning, learn a few words in Russian at a language SUNDAY, JUNE 19: MOSCOW / DISEMBARK / RETURN
class before visiting Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga Disembark in Moscow after breakfast, and transfer to the
River. It was unharmed during World War II, and many airport for flights home. B
religious buildings dating from the 13th to 17th centuries
An optional postlude in Moscow is offered June 19-21, 2022.
remain intact. In the Spassky Monastery, see the
Transfiguration Cathedral, adorned with murals depicting
the apocalyptic visions of St. John, and view the richly
DISCLAIMER: The itinerary is subject to change at the
frescoed Church of Elijah the Prophet. Take a stroll in the discretion of The Museum Travel Alliance and Arrangements
lively market before returning to Volga Dream. B,L,D Abroad. For complete details, please carefully read the terms
VOLGA DREAM
SUN DECK
One of the finest riverboats in Russia, Volga Dream
411 409 407 405 403
is ideally suited to explore the scenic lakes and
LADOGA
BAR
NEVA
LOUNGE
waterways between St. Petersburg and Moscow.
412 410 408 406 404 402
Completely redesigned and refitted, this charming
ship is kept scrupulously clean by a professional
PROMENADE DECK crew for whom safety is always a priority. All 56
staterooms have river views, marble-accented
bathrooms, air conditioning, telephones, flat-screen
325
323 321 319 317 315 313 311 309 307 305 303 301
LIBRARY
300
satellite TVs, and a safe. Meals feature Continental
326
324 322 320 318 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 302
cuisine alongside Russian specialties. The lounge,
showcasing paintings by contemporary Russian
MAIN DECK artists, offers panoramic views and live music. The
209 207 205 203 201 DINING
full-length sun deck is a lovely setting for relaxing
ROOM and basking in the scenery. Other amenities include
FOYER
SALON
a fitness room, massage room, and sauna. A
210 208 206 204 202
physician accompanies each cruise.
CABIN DECK
107 105 103 101
RATE INCLUDES
n Three nights hotel accommodations at the Hotel
Astoria in St. Petersburg
108 106 104 102 n Six nights cabin accommodations aboard Volga Dream
n Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch,
LAND/CRUISE RATES (Per Person, Double Occupancy)
R=Reception, D=Dinner); bottled water,
soft drinks, juices, and coffee/tea with all meals;
Double Single
Cabins Decks Rates Rates house wine at welcome and farewell dinners;
complimentary open bar aboard the cruise with
SPECIAL OFFER FOR SINGLE TRAVELERS opportunities to taste authentic Russian vodka
Standard Single Cabins 325, 326 & 410 Promenade & Sun Decks -------- $8,999 and cuisine
Standard Cabins 101 to 108 Cabin Deck $7,999 $9,999 n Live piano performances on board Volga Dream
Twin beds. n Airport/hotel/pier/airport group transfers for all
Superior Cabins 201 to 210 Main Deck $9,999 $14,999 participants on suggested flights
Twin beds. n Escorted sightseeing, transportation, and entrance
fees for all included visits
Deluxe Cabins 301 to 315 & 317 to 324 Promenade Deck $10,499 $15,749
Double beds. n Enrichment program of lectures and talks; gratuities
to local guides and drivers
Superior Staterooms 406 to 409, 411 & 412 Sun Deck $10,999 Inquire
Customary shipboard gratuities
Twin beds.
n
Taxes, service, and porterage charges; gratuities to
Junior Suites 316 & 405 Promenade & Sun Decks $11,999 Inquire
n
local guides and drivers, as well as ship gratuities
Double beds.
NOT INCLUDED IN RATE: International airfare; passport/
Superior Junior Suites 402 to 404 Sun Deck $13,999 Inquire visa fees; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than
Double beds. noted in inclusions; personal items and expenses; airport
transfers other than for those on suggested flights; excess
Owner’s Suite 300 Promenade Deck $15,999 Inquire baggage; trip insurance; optional Moscow postlude; any
Double beds. other items not specifically mentioned as included.Cyril-Belozersky Monastery, Kirillov
MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE
HIDDEN GEMS OF RUSSIA’S HEARTLAND n
JUNE 9–19, 2022
RESERVATION FORM
To reserve a place, please call Museum Travel Alliance at phone: 212-324-1893 or 855-533-0033, fax: 212-344-7493; or complete and return this form with
your deposit of $1,000 per person (fully refundable until 120 days before departure) payable to Museum Travel Alliance. Mail to: Museum Travel Alliance,
1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd floor, New York, NY 10018-3721.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name(s) in full as on passport(s). Please print.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City State Zip
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (home) (business)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fax E-mail
ACCOMMODATIONS
Volga Dream cabin preference (1) __________________________________________________________________ (2) ___________________________________________________________________
I wish to share a cabin with __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MTA MUSEUM AFFILIATION _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OPTIONAL POSTLUDE
p I/We would like to join the optional poslude in Moscow
Hotel Room Preference p One bed p Two beds p Single
FORM OF PAYMENT
p Enclosed is my check (payable to Museum Travel Alliance) p Debit card p Credit card
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name on credit card
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Credit card number
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3- or 4-digit security code Expiration date
I/We confirm that I/we have carefully read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of this Program (see https://museumtravelalliance.com/faq.php to
review or call for a copy). I/We agree to full payment 120 days prior to departure. Each participant must sign below.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature (required) Date
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Signature (required) Date
On the front cover: Cathedral of the Annunciation, Moscow B_22VDRLED0609_MTA CST 2059789-40You can also read
