DAY 1: UK - St Petersburg.
Fly to St Petersburg where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the St Petersburg area for one night.

DAY 2: St Petersburg. Embarkation.
Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, who made it the capital of all Russia, St Petersburg has impressive parks, monuments, squares and boulevards, not to mention 600 bridges over the River Neva. Today you will be transferred to your cruise ship, Dr Zhivago (also known as MS Nikolai Dobrolubov), for embarkation. (B, D)

DAY 3: St Petersburg. Included sightseeing.
Your included sightseeing tour with local guide will give you a real insight into the history and culture of St Petersburg, perhaps Russia's most beautiful city. While in St Petersburg why not take advantage of the optional excursion programme (subject to availability), including Pushkin? (B, L, D)

DAY 4: St Petersburg.
Today there is a guided visit to the world famous Hermitage, boasting one of the richest collections of art in Europe. In the afternoon, depart from St Petersburg and cruise towards Mandrogui. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Mandrogui.
Enjoy free time in Mandrogui, located on the River Svir which connects the Lakes Onega and Ladoga. It is a small village famed for its old wooden structures and is a fine place to stretch your legs and enjoy the beautiful scenery. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Kizhi.
Your next port of call is tiny Kizhi, an island situated at the edge of Lake Onega and home to several fine examples of 19th-century peasant architecture including the Transfiguration Church, with its 22 cupolas, in the Museum of Wooden Art. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Goritsy.
Today, cross the impressive White Lake on the way to Goritsy, a tiny settlement around seven kilometres from the famous Kirill-Belosersk Monastery, a visit to which is included. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Yaroslavl. Included sightseeing.
Next stop is 1,000-year-old Yaroslavl, considered to be a pearl in the 'Golden Ring' of ancient Russian cities, situated to the north-east of Moscow. The included city sightseeing tour takes in a visit to the Spassky Monastery and the Church of Elijah the Prophet. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Uglich.
Explore this fascinating 12th-century town and enjoy the stunning views of the River Volga. Included is a visit to the historic Kremlin, the oldest building in the town. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Moscow. Included sightseeing.
Today, set sail for Moscow. Russia's capital is one of the world's most impressive and interesting cities, packed with fascinating sights. An included sightseeing tour with local guide will highlight the must see attractions including the legendary Red Square with St Basil's Cathedral, Theatre Square - home to the World famous Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Moscow.
Today, visit the Kremlin's interior with local guide. You'll walk past the enormous Czar Bell and Cannon, the Palace of Congress and Offices of State. Then arrive in historic Cathedral Square, site of the Annunciation, Assumption and Archangel Michael cathedrals, three of the Kremlin's best known architectural treasures. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Moscow - UK.
Today, disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)