Experience a spectacular voyage through the heart of Russia. We will travel the scenic and historic Russian waterways, along the Neva, across two of Europe's largest lakes, Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega, down the Volga - Baltic Waterway through river lockages, and on the historic Volga. St. Petersburg holds the fascination of a time past. Created by Peter the Great to be his "window on Europe,", it is considered to be the cultural heart of modern Russia. Cruise the canals around the Church on Spilled Blood and visit Peterhof and its spectacular fountains. Visits to small towns and the enchanting Golden Ring cities of Yaroslavl, Kostroma and Uglich provide unique opportunities to delve into Russian culture. In Yaroslavl we will visit the Savior Monastery and Church of Elijah the Prophet. See local handcrafts in Kostroma. In Kitzhi we'll explore the exciting Museum of Wooden Architecture. In picturesque Uglich the Cathedral of the Transfiguration is a reverent and historic stop. We will join a Russian family home for breakfast, as well. At the samll farming town of Goritsy is the Assumption Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake. Moscow brings a chance to experience the grandeur of Red Square and the Kremlin. It is a city of contrasta, with modern skyscrapers alongside ancient monnasteries. Beautiful churches and historic buildings are being restored to their former glory. The changing economy is bustling and offers exciting shops and street markets to explore. Witness the pageantry of the changing of the guard in Red Square. Marvel at the famous upscale GUM Department Store. St. PetersburgHermitage Museum Cathedral of Sts. Peter & Paul, the Tsars' tombs Peterhof Catherine Palace Cossack Folk Dance Show Mandrogi Village arts and crafts Historic village architecture Lake Onega scenic cruise Kizhi Island Museum of Wooden Architecture Intercession Church Goritsy Assumption Monastery of St Cyril Yaroslavl Exquisite lacquer boxes Savior Transfiguration Cathedral Kostroma Impatiev Monastery and bells Volga River cruising Uglich Breakfast with Russian family Cathedral of the Transfiguration Moscow Beautiful river views The Metro Red Square - changing of the guards Red Square - St. Basil's Cathedral GUM Department store The Kremlin Gardens, cafes & fountains Moscow by night National Folk Show