ASTRAKHAN
TO MOSCOW CRUISE ITINERARIES
16 DAYS / 15 NIGHTS
DAY
LOCATION
2008 PROGRAM
ARRIVAL
DEPARTURE
1
Astrakhan
Astrakhan arrival, embarkation,
dinner and overnight.
2
Astrakhan
6:00pm
Enjoy you first city tour.
Astrakhan is situated in the Volga Delta, rich in sturgeons
and exotic plants. It was the capital of Astrakhan Khanate.
The ruins of this medieval settlement were found by archaeologists
12 km upstream from the modern-day city.In 1556, the khanate
was conquered by Ivan the Terrible, who had a new fortress
built on a steep hill overlooking the Volga. In1569, Astrakhan
was besieged by the Ottoman army, which had to retreat in
disarray. A year later, the Sultan renounced his claims to
Astrakhan, thus opening the entire Volga River to Russian
traffic. In the 17 crntury, the city was developed as a Russian
gate to the Orient. Many merchants from Armernia, Persia,
and Khiva settled in the downtown, giving it a multinational
and variegated character. Lunch and farewell dinner aboard.
3
Cruising
Breakfast aboard. Enjoy your
first day of cruising. Onboard entertainment, lectures, movies,
dancing. Lunch and dinner
4
Volgograd
9:00am
1:00pm
The
new day brings you to the new city to explore. Volgograd
originated with the foundation
in 1589 of the fortress of Tsaritsyn at the confluence of
the Tsaritsa and Volga Rivers. The fortress, which took its
name from the local name Sary Su was established to defend
the unstable southern border of Tsarist Russia and became
the nucleus of a trading settlement. The city was the scene
of heavy fighting during the Russian Civil War After its
recapture, it was renamed Stalingrad (literally: "Stalin
city") in 1925.Under Stalin, the city became heavily
industrialized and was developed as a centre of heavy industry
and trans-shipment by rail and river. During World war 2,
the city of Stalingrad became the center of the Battle of
Stalingrad as well as the pivotal turning point in the war
against Germany. Visit the Mamaev Kurgan, a hill that saw
some of the most intense fighting during the battle. Lunch
and dinner on board
5
Saratov
9:00am
2:00pm
Take
the afternoon tour of Saratov City. The name Saratov may
be conjectured to derive
from theTurkic words Saryk Atov which means ‘hawks'
island’. Another version of the name origin is "Sary
Tau" meaning Yellow Mountain in Tatar language
as the city is surrounded by a few sandy hills. Saratov became
an important shipping port in the 1800s, and developed industrially
after a railroad linking it to Moscow was finished in 1870.From
Soviet times until 1991, Saratov was a "closed city",
strictly off limits to all foreigners. Situated on the Volga
River, this was a major military aircraft manufacturing site,
the home of the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin, and a vital
part of the Soviet space program. Lunch and dinner on board.
6
Samara
1:00pm
9:00pm
Today enjoy the city tour
of Samara, the sixth-largest city in Russia. It is situated
in the southeastern part of European Russia, the administrative
center of Samara Oblast. It was founded in 1586 as a defense
outpost, a fortress, and later grew into a major grain-trading
center for the Volga region. It was renamed after the Soviet
politician Valerian Kuybyshev under Soviet rule, but returned
to its historical name after the fall of Communism.Now it
is a large social, economic, industrial and cultural center
of European Russia. Lunch and dinner on board.
7
Ulyanovsk
10:00am
2:00pm
After
breakfast enjoy the city tour of Ulianovsk. Ulyanovsk,
formerly Simbirsk , is
a city on the Volga River 893 km east from Moscow. It is
the administrative center of, and the birthplace of Vladimir
Lenin.).In 1648, the boyar Bogdan Khitrovo founded a frontier
fort of "Simbirsk" or "Sinbirsk" on top
of the hill on the Western bank of the Volga River, designed
to protect the eastern edge of the growing Russian Empire
from the nomadic Nogais and to establish a foothold in the
area. In 1924, the city was renamed Ulyanovsk in honor of
its recently-deceased most famous son Vladimir Ulyanov, better
known as Lenin, who was born there. Ulyanovsk is a significant
industrial city. It is home to UAZ, a large automobile manufacturing
plant, and Aviastar-SP, an airplane plant. Lunch and dinner
on board.
8
Kazan
10:00am
9:00pm
Today explore the capital
of Tatar Republic. The capital of Tatar Republic was founded
in the 13th century by Mongols, who had occupied Russia.
In the 15th and 16th centuries Kazan became one of the principal
cities of the mighty Golden Horde (Tatar) Empire. The city
was conquered and almost destroyed in 1552 by Ivan the Terrible,
who forced the Muslim khan to become Christian and forced
Tatars to the country's borders. Later Kazan flourished as
a gateway to Siberia. The city has preserved many of its
ancient buildings, including the remarkable Kazan Kremlin,
the Cathedral of the Annunciation, and the striking Syuyumbike
Tower named after a long-suffering princess who was married
to three successive khans. Lunch and dinner on board.
9
Cheboksary
8:00am
5:00pm
In the afternoon, arrive
in the capital of Chuvashia Repuplic. Tcheboksary has a rich
historical past. Founded in 1781, it served as fortress outpost
for Moscow Principality. The city is well known for its architectural
landmarks, including the 17th century Vvedensky Cathidral.
Enjoy your city tour. Lunch and dinner on board.
10
Nizhnii
Novgorod
7:00am
10:00am
Take
a city tour of Nizhniy Novgorod. Although the word Novgorod
means "a new city",
it is one of the oldest Russian cities. In a sense, Russian
history began here. It was the first permanent settlement
of the Varangian Norsemen who established the embryonic Russian
State. Lunch and dinner on board.
11
Kostroma
2:00pm
10:00pm
Today explore the City of
Kostroma. Located on the left bank of the Volga River, it
abounds in magnificent monuments of old architecture. Its
picturesque suburbs have long been a source of inspiration
for many Russian artists. Lunch and dinner on board
12
Yaroslavl
6:00am
8:00pm
After breakfast today, tour
of Yaroslavl, founded in the 11th century by Prince Yaroslav
the Wise. The city tour includes the 16th-century Monastery
of the Transfiguration and Church of Elijah the Prophet.
Lunch and dinner on board.
13
Uglich
8:00am
noon
Take a walking tour of this
lovely 10th-century town - one of Russia's most ancient.
Visit the Kremlin, with its 16th-century Church of the Transfiguration.
Explore the Flea Market. Lunch and dinner on board.
14
Moscow
1:00
pm
Arrival in Moscow. Sightseeing
motor coach tour of this ancient Russian capital, including
Tverskaya Street, Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral, Bolshoi
Theater and Moscow State University for a panoramic view
of the city. Visit to Novodevichiy Convent. Lunch, dinner
15
Moscow
Morning tour of the Kremlin:
Originally a fortress, it comprises beautiful cathedrals,
ornate palaces and government buildings. This afternoon free
time to explore Moscow on your own. Whatever your interest,
our local hosts ease your way by making all arrangements
for tours, theater, ballet or opera tickets. Lunch and farewell
dinner aboard.
2008 TERMS AND CONDITIONS Prices are in Australian Dollars
THE
RATES INCLUDES:
• Accommodations in all outside
stateroom, each with private bathroom facilities,
individual temperature control and large picture window
• Three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) per day in
the ship's restaurant with the same menu for all
passengers irrespective of cabin category; meal service begins
with dinner on day of embarkation and ends with
breakfast on day of disembarkation.
• Captain’s welcome Cocktail Reception
• Gala farewell Dinner aboard
• Full sightseeing programs in each of the ports of call.
• English-speaking guide assistance
• Lectures on Russian History and Culture.
• Russian language and songs lessons
• Nightly entertainment and dancing.
• Daily aerobics
• Tour of the ship’s bridge.
• Our cruise director and professional staff.
• Visa support letter (if you process your visa with
us)
• Luggage handling to/from your cabin aboard the ship
• Cruise documents in electronic format
THE
RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:
• Baggage:
excess baggage, forwarding of baggage.
• Medical insurance,
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Visas
• Visa support
•
Gratuities: gratuities for Cruise director, crew members,
guides and drivers are not included and are at passenger’s
discretion.
• Private transfers
• Miscellaneous: Items of a personnel nature such as laundry,
bar charges, beauty salon, telephone cable charges and
medical services are not included.
NOTE:
• All the prices and schedules are subject to change. All
taxes and surcharges are additional.
• Air is available upon request. For more information,
please call us.
• Please be informed that all pre/post cruise services,
arrival/departure transfers, hotel accommodation, additional
excursions, etc. can be arranged by us.
RESPONSIBILITY:
Imperial River Cruises, hereafter referred to as the tour
operator, and/or the travel agent, acts only as intermediary
and agent for various steamship companies, airlines, hotels,
transport and sightseeing companies who provide the cruise,
tour, accommodations and other services described. This
agency, therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of
contract or any intentional or careless actions, errors
or omissions on part of such suppliers which result in any
loss, damage, delay or injury to you or your travel companions
or group members. Travel agency shall not be responsible
for any injuries, damage or losses caused to any travel
in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor
unrest, mechanical or construction conditions or developments,
or any other actions, errors, omissions, or conditions outside
the travel agency's control. By embarking upon his/her travel
the traveler voluntary assumes all risk involved in such
travel, whether expected or unexpected. Traveler is hereby
warned of such risk, and is advised to obtain appropriate
insurance coverage against them. Your retention of tickets,
reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute
consent to the above, and an agreement on your part to convey
the contents hereto to your travel companions or group members.
Imperial River Cruises reserves the right to withdraw and/or
to cancel a tour or to make changes in the itinerary and
accommodations whenever, in its sole judgment, conditions
warrant it. The tour operator reserves the right to not
accept, nor retain any individual for any reason, including
but not limited to those of passenger's health, general
deportment or attitude infringing upon safety of fellow
passengers or service personnel. Any additional costs incurred
as the result of such behavior shall be the sole responsibility
of the passenger. Baggage is carried at the owner's risk
and baggage insurance is recommended. The issuance and acceptance
of tickets and vouchers shall be deemed to be consent to
the above conditions.
ALL PRICES, TARIFFS, ITINERARIES AND SCHEDULES in this brochure
are in effect at time of printing, and are subject to change
without notice. Unless the price is specifically stated
in writing on your voucher, invoice or reservation itinerary,
we do not guarantee any suppliers' rates, bookings or reservation.
Air inclusive packages do not include US air travel and
other taxes and fees.
RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS:
Reservations
should be made as early as possible to guarantee desired
departure dates. Deposit of 40% of
the total cruise is required at the time of booking
to obtain confirmed reservations. When more than one
cruise is booked, deposit and payment policies apply
per cruise. The balance is due within 90 days prior
to the departure date. Upon receiving full payment
you will receive an cruise confirmation documents.
Do not forget to take these documents with you. We
reserve the right to re-invoice your reservation should
an error be made in computing your package price.
PAYMENT CONDITIONS
To
guarantee space, 40% of
the cruise price non refundable deposit is required.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS:
Trip
cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. Conditions
of cancellation All requests for cancellations and
refunds must be made in writing to Imperial River
Cruises.
The
following fees will apply:
Cancellation
received 90 or more days prior to departure 40%
Cancellation
received 89-60 days prior to departure - 70
% of
the cruise price
Cancellation
received 59-30 days prior to departure - 90
% of
the cruise price
Cancellation
recieved less than 30 days prior to departure - no
refund
If
you accept a refund, you waive all other rights and remedies
under applicable law. Trip cancellation insurance is
strongly recommended.
Unused
Features - We regret not being able to issue refunds
for voluntary absences from itinerary services including
but not limited to meals and/or sightseeing. Once cruise
or tour program has commenced, there will be no refund
for unused features or services, or any portion of cruise
or tour not taken due to passenger's cancellation.
CHANGES TO ITINERARIES AND PROGRAMS:
Imperial
River Cruises will make every effort to operate all cruises
and tours as described. However, due to unforeseen circumstances,
we reserve the right to make such changes as are deemed
necessary. In addition, if the ship-owner/supplier or
tour operator cancels or postpones any scheduled sailing
or tour, the participants will receive refund according
to the supplier company's rules.
SPECIAL REQUESTS:
Special
request should be submitted at the time of booking. These
requests are outside of our control and therefore cannot
be guaranteed.
CHANGE FEES:
A minimum processing fee of
$52 per person will be charged for each change to the original booking.
INSURANCE:
Baggage, health and trip cancellation insurance is available
through Imperial River Cruises or your travel agent and strongly
recommended. Once purchased, insurance is non-refundable.
CRUISE DOCUMENTS:
Cruise document packet will be sent 14 days before departure.
If you request that your documents must be sent earlier, your
cruise confirmation can be mailed at the time the full payment
received.
YOUNG TRAVELERS:
Travelers who are under 18 years of age must be accompanied
by an adult.
