Join us on a musical journey through the heart of Russia, visiting the great cities of St Petersburg and Moscow and enjoying a rural interlude in the delightful Russian countryside. The endless forests of silver birch, vast lakes, rolling arable land and villages and towns have, for centuries, inspired Russia's greatest writers andcomposers. Its magical tranquillity, historic kremlins and unique landscape make the perfect setting for our musical journey.

During the course of our cruise we will celebrate the works of the Great Russian and Slavic composers as well as the works of Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, Strauss and Offenbach with onboard performances by London Festival Opera. Ashore, we will see the major sights including the fabulous collection at the Armoury Museum in Moscow's Kremlin, the Tretyakov Gallery and the incomparable Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg. For many, a highlight will be the visit to Tchaikovsky's home at Klin where the curator will organize tours followed by a piano recital.

This is surely the most satisfying way to visit Russia. The combination of music, history and art, together with an insight into the modern Russia of today and the momentous changes which are taking place, make for an all encompassing trip. With such a busy schedule, perhaps it cannot be described as the most relaxing of holidays. But even amongst all we have planned there will be some quiet moments, as we cruise through the vast forests of Kareliya, past the picturesque countryside along the Volga, to the enchanting cities of the Golden Ring. With the Volga Dream as our base, we are able to cover great distances in comfort and security, avoiding all the packing and energy-draining activities usually associated with a land tour.

London Festival Opera

Accompanying us on this cruise and performing onboard will be members of London Festival Opera. Bringing together established opera singers from major British opera companies, London Festival Opera have achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera and music performances in a wide variety of worldwide venues.

Itinerary

Day 1 London Heathrow to Moscow – Fly by scheduled flight. Upon arrival transfer to the MS Volga Dream and embark.Welcome drinks party with music by a balalaika quartet..

Day 2 Moscow – Morning walking tour of the Kremlin.Within the walls of the Kremlin see three cathedrals and the fascinating Armoury Museum with its fine collection of imperial regalia arms and carriages. After lunch onboard, drive to Klin for a visit to Tchaikovsky’s home. There will be a guided tour, followed by a piano recital and tea.

Day 3 Moscow – Morning free for individual sightseeing and shopping. Perhaps make a visit to the fabulous Tretyakov Gallery. Sail during lunch along the Moscow Canal, making our way to the mighty Volga River. Evening onboard performance by London Festival Opera.

Day 4 Uglich – Morning visit to Uglich. Founded in 1148, this is one of the most beloved towns in Old Russia. At the end of the 16th century, Maria Nagaya, seventh wife of Ivan the Terrible, lived in exile in the Kremlin in Uglich. It was here in her garden that the Tsarevich Dmitry met his death and where the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood was built and stands today. Our sightseeing programme will include a visit to the Cathedral of Our Saviour’s Transfiguration. Afternoon cruising. Evening programme of music from the Great Russian and Slavic composers performed by London Festival Opera.

Day 5 Yaroslavl – Stretching for 18 miles on both banks of the Volga, Yaroslavl is an important Volga port with a population of 600,000. It was founded in the 11th century by Prince Yaroslavl the Wise and today retains many noteworthy monuments of its colourful past. Of special interest is the Church of Elijah the Prophet in the town’s central square. The frescoes on the walls and vaulting inside the church constitute a veritable museum of old Russian Art. Our sightseeing programme will feature the Church of Elijah the Prophet, the magnificent 13th-century Spassky Monastery as well as the remnants of an ancient trading centre in Market Street. Sail during lunch and enjoy an afternoon of cruising. Evening onboard performance by London Festival Opera, featuring the music of Mozart, Verdi, Bizet and Puccini.

Day 6 Goritsy – From Goritsy it is a short drive to the Monastery of St Cyril of theWhite Lake. The history of the site dates back to the end of the 14th century. However, the monastery reached its peak in the middle of the 18th century with holdings of over 20,000 serfs. This afternoon we will make our way through a complex combination of rivers, lakes and canals to Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake.

Day 7 Kizhi – This tiny island is located at the northern end of Lake Onega. It is renowned for its open-air Museum of Architecture which has been assembled from various areas of the region and restored to form an intriguing glimpse of the past. The Transfiguration Church with 22 domes is the ultimate in Russian fairy-tale architecture.

Day 8 Cruising through Kareliya – Sail across Lake Onega to the forested banks of the Svir River and on to Lake Ladoga and the Neva River. Evening onboard performance of Operetta with the works of Strauss, Offenbach and Lehar, by London Festival Opera.

Day 9 St Petersburg – Morning city tour on the trail of the great composers including the homes or memorials of Tchaikovsky, Glinka and Rimsky-Korsakov. After lunch visit the Galitzine Library lovingly created in memory of Prince George Galitzine. Continue to St Isaac’s Cathedral and the Peter and Paul Fortress where the tour will end with a specially arranged Bell Concert. In the afternoon drive out to Peterhof, where a series of terraces bright with gilded animated fountains lead to the palace built by Peter the Great on the edge of the Gulf of Finland.

Day 10 St Petersburg – Today is devoted to the treasures of the incomparable Hermitage Museum in theWinter Palace. After some free time in the afternoon we will return to the vessel and gather in the evening for drinks, a farewell dinner and a Gala Opera performance by London Festival Opera including highlights from Tchaikowsy’s ‘Eugene Onegin’.

Day 11 St Petersburg to London Heathrow – Disembark after breakfast. Drive to the Russian Museum which is housed in the former New Michael Palace. Here you will see some of Russia’s finest paintings and icons. Afternoon departure by scheduled flight to London.

Russia of the Great Composers, Writers and Painters, with London Festival Opera

Departure Dates and Prices for 2009

Prices per person based on double occupancy

CABIN DESCRIPTION	DECK	18TH MAY	28TH MAY
Standard twin	Cabin	£2295	£2495
Superior twin	Main	£2595	£2795
Deluxe double	Promenade	£2995	£3195
Junior suite double	Promenade/Sun	£3395	£3595
Superior stateroom twin	Sun	£3595	£3795
Superior junior suite double	Sun	£3695	£3895
Owner’s stateroom double	Promenade	£4095	£4295
Standard single	Promenade	£3395	£3595
Deluxe single	Sun	£3795	£3995

* The 28th May departure operates in the reverse direction, from St Petersburg to Moscow and is one day longer. The additional day will be spent in St Petersburg with a visit to the great country estate of Pushkin. Itinerary available on request.

Price Includes:  Economy class scheduled air travel, 10 nights accommodation aboard the MS Volga Dream on full board, house wine/beer with dinner, shore excursions and music performances as described, cruise director, guest speaker, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes.

Not included: Travel insurance, Russian visa, gratuities

N.B. Ports subject to change. Water levels may also affect itineraries.

MS Volga Dream

The vast network of Russian waterways are served by numerous standard class vessels. However we are now able to offer the luxurious MS Volga Dream, which entered service during the spring of 2007. This elegant vessel has been totally rebuilt from a vessel that originally accommodated over 200 passengers and now accommodates just 100. The result is a splendid and spacious vessel which offers the most superior accommodation and services on the route.

Cabins are located over four decks and categories range from standard cabins on the Cabin deck to superior cabins on the Main deck. On the upper two decks, Promenade and Sun, you will find deluxe cabins and suites. All cabins offer individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, direct dial telephone, satellite flat screen television and minibar. Additional comforts provided include bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, bathroom accessories kit, bottled water, welcome fruit basket and champagne.

On board facilities include a single sitting dining room where complimentary wine is served with dinner, a luxurious lounge and bar, outside bar, fitness centre, sauna, massage, hairdresser, library, internet, boutique and comfortable deck furniture.

A Deck Plan is available on request.

This cruise is operated on our behalf by Noble Caledonia ATOL 3108