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OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Novodevichy (New Maidens) Convent & Cemetery

65 Euro per person

The Novodevichy (or New Maiden) Convent is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Russia. Founded by Tsar Vasily III in 1524, the Convent marked winning the city of Smolensk back from the Lithuanians in 1514. The new convent was consecrated in honor of the Mother of God Hodigidria which according to a legend was painted by St. Luke himself.

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Moscow

Moscow at Night + Metro

55 Euro per person

Late night tour by bus. Discover the beautiful lights and unique atmosphere of Moscow at night. Your first stop will be in the city center where you will enjoy a short ride on the Metro and see the magnificent art at 2 to 3 of the main stations.  Then, you will continue by bus to view illuminated skyscrapers, bridges that cross the Moscow River, and the fabulous St. Basils Onion Domes from the open-air observation platform on top of Sparrow Hill, which are truly stupendous!

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In 1898–1904, the so-called Novodevichy Cemetery was established outside the south wall. Anton Chekhov was one of the first notables to be interred at the new cemetery, and Nikolai Gogol was later reburied there too. During the Soviet epoch, it was turned into the most high-profile cemetery in the Soviet Union, with the likes of Nikita Khrushchev, Sergei Prokofiev, Dmitri Shostakovich, Konstantin Stanislavski, Boris Yeltsin, and Mstislav Rostropovich being interred there.

Tretyakov Gallery Tour

59 Euro per person

Founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov and presented as a gift to the city in 1892, it is the world’s number one museum of Russian art. Ranging from exquisite and mysterious 12th century icons to the politically charged and prescient canvases of Russia’s favorite realist master, Ilya Repin, the collection is a rich and revealing insight into the history and attitudes of this long suffering yet inspired people.

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St. Petersburg

Catherine’s Palace with Amber Room & Peterhof Gardens (Full Day)

110 Euro per person

Travel to Pushkino to visit Catherine’s Palace, 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 7 of the main halls and rooms including the amber panels backed with gold leaf and mirrors in the famous Amber Room, reconstructed after WWII. Return to the city for lunch at a local restaurant and continue to Peter the Great’s Summer Palace to tour the miraculous gardens.

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DISCLAIMER: All optional excursions are shown for information and planning purposes. They are subject to change do to holidays, attraction black-out dates or other reasons. Some, if not all optional excursions may require a minimum number of participants to operate. Prices are quoted in Euros. Final list of availability and costs will be confirmed upon arrival to your vessels at the initial information meeting.

IMPORTANT NOTE: *Combo Palace tour is available ONLY on downstream sailings St. Pete to Moscow and MUST be pre-purchased to guarantee access to Catherine’s Palace. Minimum 25 passengers required to operate!

Peterhof Palace Gardens

65 Euro per person

Whether you’re a classical music enthusiast or not, make this part of your Vienna experience! Enjoy this spectacular classical concert at the Kursalon Wien, an exclusive and splendid building of the 19th century, built in Italian Renaissance style. In the very place where Johann Strauss himself used to direct his orchestra from the position of first violin and enjoyed the essence of Vienna’s classical music. The Salonorchester Alt Wien, one of the best‐known interpreters of classical Viennese music, presents an evening full of Viennese charm with waltzes, polkas, arias, and duets, as well as operetta and piano concerto melodies. Accompanied by excellent opera vocalists and our enchanting ballet soloists.

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Rivers & Canals Cruise

44 Euro per person

Built on 42 islands and connected by 70 rivers and canals and over 400 bridges, St. Petersburg rightfully deserves the nickname “Venice of the North”. Sit back and relax while your small boat sails silently through the central part of the city where you will have a different perspective of the cities marvelous architecture as you glide by the Church on the Blood, the Hermitage, the Onion domes and Imperial palaces, their imposing beauty reflected in the water.

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Cossack Folklore Show

66 Euro per person

This high-octane performance focuses on the history and culture of the mighty Cossack warriors, once the defenders of the far-flung southern borders of Russia. Renowned for their temperament, fearlessness and horsemanship, the program features over 30 artists performing songs and dances including the famous, acrobatic knee-bending "hopak"!

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