VOLGOGRAD TO
MOSCOW CRUISE ITINERARIES
13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS
DAY
LOCATION
2008 PROGRAM
ARRIVAL
DEPARTURE
1
Volgograd
Volgograd arrival, embarkation, dinner
and overnight
2
Volgograd
3:00pm
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
3
Saratov
10:30am
-
Take
the morning 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.
4
Saratov
8:00am
Cruising. Breakfast. Enjoy your day of
cruising. On board entertainment: lectures, Russian language
classes, your favorite movies, dancing. You will have the
unique opportunity to see the Orchestra rehearsal. Lunch
and dinner aboard.
5
Samara
9:30am
4:00pm
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. Visit of a local Art Museum.
Toliatti
Transfer by bus to the city of Toliatti
for the Concert.
10:009m
11:00pm
6
Kazan
2:00pm
midnight
Today
explore the capital of Tatar Republic. Kazan 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
7
Cheboksary
9:00am
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
8
Nizhnii Novgorod
11:00am
noon
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.
Gorodetz
Transfer
by bus to the city of Gorodetz for the Symphony Concert.
4:00pm
mignight
9
Kostroma
10:00am
11:00am
In the morning, 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. Visit of Ipatievskiy Monastery
Yaroslav
15:30pm
midnight
In the afternoon, our bus will transfer
you to Yaroslavl. After lunch 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.
10
Uglich
noon
2:00
pm
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.
11
Moscow
3:00pm
-
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
12
Moscow
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 dinner
aboard
13
Moscow
Time
to bid farewell to your new friends after your unforgettable
journey through this fascinating land.
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
$54 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.
