RUSSIAN RIVER CRUISE

ST PETERSBURG TO MOSCOW

Departing Saturday June 20th for 15 days / 14 nights

Join us on this trip of a lifetime and travel through amazing Russia. Explore the real Russia and see the swirling onion domes and stout towers of Moscow’s Red Square. Share stories at the kitchen table of an Uglich family. Savor Russian caviar with your blini pancakes. Soak up the steam in a traditional banya in riverside Mandrogy village. Envision Peter the Great luxuriating in massive Peterhof Palace, then see how multiple families shared living space at a Soviet-era kommunalka. From St. Petersburg to Moscow, this voyage reveals the real Russia as never before. Russia’s vast network of waterways, the Volga and Svir Rivers and the expansive lakes of Onega and Ladoga among them, deliver you to a breathtaking collection of cultural and historic riches. From the stately Kremlin of Moscow to the sophisticated allure of St. Petersburg, here is a sample of a few highlights of a Viking river cruise in Russia:

• The colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Moscow’s artful subway stations

• The Golden Ring city of Uglich

• Tea and conversation with a local Russian family

• Yaroslavl’s colorful food market

• Art and culture of Yaroslavl’s Governor’s Palace

• Kizhi Island’s magnificent wooden Transfiguration Church

• The art of matryoshka doll making

• The vast collections of the Hermitage Museum

• A St. Petersburg ballet performance

Ship Highlights – Viking HELGI More than 20 years ago, Viking began sailing the storied waterways of Russia. Today, their fully refurbished, elegant Russia fleet sets new standards of excellence in this region. Complete with hotel-style amenities, they feature spacious staterooms and suites, an inviting restaurant and refined public spaces. The Viking fleet in Russia and Eastern Europe offers exceptional ambiance with all the comforts of a fine hotel. Ship Features:

• All staterooms are outside with river view

• Hotel-style beds 79 inches x 63 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)

• Private, modern bathrooms with separate shower & premium bath products; bathrobe & slippers upon request

• Sony 26” flat-panel TV with CNBC, CNN, BBC & more

• Telephone, safe, refrigerator, hair dryer & air conditioning

• Bottled water replenished daily

• Sun deck with shaded sitting area

• A walk-around, open air promenade deck

• Restaurant with panoramic views

• Elevator

• The Lounge & two bars with panoramic windows

• Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

• Doctor on board

• Laundry service

• Voltage: 220V & 110V (U.S. outlet) in stateroom

Day to Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Transfer from Rapid City & then fly from Sioux Falls to St Petersburg, Russia Today enjoy your transfer from Rapid City to Sioux Falls before boarding our connecting flights and then overnight transatlantic flight to St Petersburg. Aircraft Meals included Day 2 — St. Petersburg, Russia Arrive in St. Petersburg, “The City of 300 Bridges,” then transfer to your ship. After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. Overnight Ship - Dinner included

Day 3 — St. Petersburg, Russia This morning, proceed to the Winter Palace to visit the legendary Hermitage Museum, where you can marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculpture. Return on board for an early dinner, followed by an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet. Overnight Ship - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 4 — St. Petersburg, Russia Today’s excursion goes to the Pushkin area where you visit Catherine Palace, the elegant rococo 18th-century summer residence of the Russian tsars named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate decor throughout. After lunch, embark on a city tour; see noted sights including St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. Dine on board and enjoy an optional Russian folkloric performance this evening. Overnight Ship - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 5 — St. Petersburg, Russia Most of the day is free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums, or take an optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, admiring its landscaped gardens and beautiful fountains. In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional kommunalka visit to get a glimpse of these communal living spaces or take an optional tour of St. Petersburg from the water. Lunch and dinner are served on board as we depart early this evening. Overnight Ship - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 6 — Mandrogy, Russia Spend a relaxing day cruising Russia’s intricate waterways. Sail the Neva River, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake. Cruise the Svir River to Mandrogy where you have some time to explore this museum village. Visit the Vodka Museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. For a truly immersive experience, try an optional visit to a banya, a traditional Russian bath house. Or, on board your ship, take the opportunity to witness and participate in the art of matryoshka doll making. Continue along the Svir’s 139-mile “Blue Route” toward Lake Onega. Overnight Ship - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 7 — Kizhi, Russia During breakfast, dock at Kizhi Island, located on Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, see a collection of wooden houses, windmills and churches representing ancient Russian architecture, highlighted by the famous 3-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church, a fairy-tale-like structure built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart Kizhi in the late morning and enjoy the scenery as you continue cruising through the rest of the day. Overnight Ship - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 8 — Kuzino, Russia We continue cruising along the Volga–Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and seven locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. Arrive in Kuzino, a typical Russian village. Take a guided walk through the historic Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397. See several small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. You will also have the opportunity to visit a children’s school in Kuzino or the local Merchant House. Return on board for an afternoon departure. Overnight Ship - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 9 — Yaroslavl, Russia Arrive midafternoon in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities that preserves the memory of Russia’s historical events. Tour this ancient town rich in monuments and visit the covered food market, where you may shop for handcrafted souvenirs. During your free time, you may visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Return to your ship for dinner and an evening departure. Overnight Ship - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 10 — Uglich, Russia After breakfast, disembark for a walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, another Golden Ring city. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son Dmitry was mysteriously killed. Then a local family invites you into their home for tea and friendly conversation. Lunch is served on board the ship; cruise through the night. Overnight Ship - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 11 — Moscow, Russia This morning, cruise along the Moscow Canal, approaching Moscow during lunch. Disembark for a half-day city tour. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the brightly colored St. Basil’s Cathedral. You also get the chance to explore the famous GUM Department Store and experience the city’s Metro. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music followed by a late onboard dinner. Overnight Ship - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 12 — Moscow, Russia Today you have a full day to further explore Moscow’s many buildings, parks and monuments. This morning, you may want to join a half-day optional excursion to Tretyakov Gallery, the world’s foremost museum of Russian fine art. Lunch is served on board the ship. This afternoon you may choose to take an optional Jewish Moscow tour, visiting key sites within Moscow that illustrate the history and spirit of the Jewish people who settled there. Or you may also choose to visit the Cosmonaut Museum to see displays about the history of space exploration. Dine on board, then relax, or take an optional Moscow by Night tour. Overnight Ship - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 13 — Moscow, Russia After breakfast, travel to the city’s famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. Go behind its walls to see historic gems like Tsar’s Cannon and Tsar’s Bell, and tour inside two cathedrals. The afternoon is free to relax and explore. Perhaps join an optional tour of Moscow’s oldest museum, the Kremlin Armory, which originated as the royal arsenal in 1508. Or, you may wish to spend some time people watching in Red Square or visit Lenin’s Tomb. You may also choose to visit the Cosmonaut Museum to see displays about the history of space exploration. Return to your ship for a farewell dinner. Overnight Ship - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 14 – Moscow to Sioux Falls After breakfast we proceed to the airport for your return flight to Sioux Falls. Tonight we overnight near the airport. Overnight Hotel in Sioux Falls – Breakfast included plus meals on aircraft Day 15 – Sioux Falls to Home Today we drive back to the Black Hills. Welcome home – we will arrive in plenty of time for a 4th of July BBQ this afternoon! Breakfast included

Staterooms & Pricing:

• Hotel-style beds 79 inches x 63 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)

• Private bathroom with shower and premium bath products

• Telephone, refrigerator, safe, hair dryer & bottled water replenished daily

• Bathrobe and slippers available upon request

• Air conditioning

• Space under bed for storing suitcases

• Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers

• Voltage: 220V and 110V in stateroom

• 26-inch Sony flat-panel TV with premium entertainment package including CNN and other English-language programming

Different Stateroom Types: Deluxe Stateroom - 160sq feet with Large picture window that can be opened and measures 4.10 ft. x 2.79 ft.

$7,995 per person based on Double Occupancy Veranda Stateroom - 225sq feet with Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open onto a private veranda

$8,995 per person based on Double Occupancy

Itinerary at a glance:

Price: from $7,995 per person based on double occupancy Starts: Saturday June 20th 2020 Ends: Saturday July 4th 2020

What's included?

• Roundtrip transfers from Rapid City to Sioux Falls • Round trip coach class air from Sioux Falls to St Petersburg and return from Moscow • Overnight Transatlantic Flight, all transfers, accommodations & River Cruise • All meals once on board with complimentary Beer and House Wines served with lunch and Dinner • Visits to UNESCO Sites plus Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances • 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water & unlimited free WI-FI • All onboard Gratuities at recommend levels. • All taxes and fees plus one complimentary shore excursion in each port • Overnight in Sioux Falls on return home

How to book

• Deposit due of $1,500 per person. Further Deposit of $1,500 per person due June 1st 2019. • Final Balance due March 1st 2020

What you'll need

• A full Passport is required for this tour and a most definitely a Camera for the amazing sights • Some Russian Rubles in Cash for tipping & major credit cards for purchases

Weather

1-888-788-6777

abstravelgroup.com

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ABS Travel Group | 945 Enchantment Road, Rapid City, South Dakota, USA

1-888-788-6777 | 1-605-791-2520

Fax 605-791-2618