Russia

One of our agents, Phyllis Glaser, just got back from leading a group to Russia on the Viking Kirov with Viking River Cruises. They traveled from St. Petersburg to Moscow exploring Russia's great & modern cities along with her ancient villages learning about Russian history and culture. Keep reading to find out more about her experience & see her pictures!

Click here to view the photos from Waterways of the Czars!

Click here to view Phyllis's itinerary!

Click here to read what Phyllis had to say!

Click here to view their ship, the Viking Kirov.

St. Petersburg- This young city was founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great and is also referred to as "The City of 300 Bridges". Despite its age, St. Petersburg has quite the history and a rich culture offering many things to do and see.

*Sights & Attractions:

• Peter & Paul Fortress- Built by Peter the Great on May 27, 1703 to defend the city against attack, it is located on a small island in the Neva delta called Zayachii Ostrov and marks the birthday of St. Petersburg. It has served as a garrison and high security political prison. Other interesting buildings located in or around the fortress are Peter & Paul Cathedral, City History Museum, and the Mint. All buildings on this island are closed on Tuesdays!
• Peter the Great's Summer Palace & Gardens- Located across the river from Peter & Paul Fortress, this palace was designed after other European royal parks. There is a two-story yellow building with 14 rooms, alleys with marble statues and fountains, a pond, and beautiful landscaping. Originally used during summertime for receptions and balls involving dancing, drinking, and impressive firework displays, you will see many of Peter's artifacts on display in this carefully restored palace.
• Winter Palace- Also known as the State Hermitage Museum, this has been the main residence of the Tsars since the 1760's. Located on the bank of the Neva River, it boasts 1,786 doors, 1,945 windows, and 1,057 halls and rooms. The Hermitage is a combination of the Winter Palace & four buildings arranged side by side displaying over 2.7 million exhibits and displays, making it the largest and most respected museum in the world.
• Catherine's Palace- Located in Pushkin and built in 1717 for Catherine I of Russia as a summer palace, the original structure was redone in 1752. This grand and lavish palace is best known for the grand suit of formal rooms known as the Golden Enfilade. The interiors were all destroyed during WWII by the Germans and much has been restored since.
• St. Isaac's Cathedral- Built between 1818 and 1858, this was originally the city's main church and largest in Russia. Although it's no longer the largest, it is most impressive with its sculptures, massive granite columns, beautifully decorated interiors- mosaics, paintings, & stained glass. Currently, services are only held on major ecclesiastical occasions as it is mainly a museum.
• Peterhof (Petrodvorets) Palace- "the Russian Versailles" is the most popular visitor destination. This is a series of palaces and gardens designed initially by Peter the Great & updated along the way by Catherine the Great and Empress Elizabeth. Important areas of the grounds include the Grand Cascade and Samson Fountain, the Lower Gardens, and the Grand Palace.
• Yusupov Palace- Home to the wealthy Yusupov family, this long yellow building stands along the Moika River and was the site where Grigory Rasputin met an untimely death in December 1916.
• You might also enjoy traditional Russian ballet or opera.

Mandrogy- This traditional Russian village has been designed especially for tourists. You may come and see how your ancestors lived long ago, visit a vodka museum, horseback ride, hunt, fish, and relax in a Russian sauna.

Kizhi- This island boasts some of the nation's most intricate and famous wooden architecture dating as far back as the 14th century. No nails were used in the construction of the buildings. This island, an open-air museum, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Goritzy- This village depicts traditional life in historic Russia. Visit the Kirillov-Belozerksy Monastery and the Assumption Cathedral while you explore the picturesque grounds.

Yaroslavl- Said to be founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslavl, it is today a World Heritage Sight as it preserves the memory of Russia's historical events. Today it is an important industrial center as well as a college town with about a dozen higher learning institutions. You might enjoy seeing some of the "Golden Ring's" most impressive churches and monasteries. Visit the Volkov theatre, built in 1750 it is the oldest remaining theatre in the country.

Uglich- Another Golden Ring city, this historic village is located on the Volga River with tradition dating back to 937. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood. The town's most famous event happened on May 15, 1591 when Ivan the Terrible's 10 year old son was found dead of a cut throat, a murder mystery ultimately ruled as an accident.

Moscow- This Russian capital is the most populous city (7th largest in the world) & most populous federal subject. It is a major political, economic, cultural, financial, educational, and transportation hub as well as a global city. It is the site of the Moscow Kremlin, residence of the President of Russia, parliament, and Government of Russia, as well as a World Heritage Site. Nicknames include the Third Rome, Whitestone, The First Throne, and The Forty Forties.

*Sights & Attractions:

• Bolshoi Theatre- Founded in 1776 and inaugurated on January 18th, 1825 by Fernando Sor's Cendrillon ballet, it is the current home to The Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera, one of the oldest & greatest ballet and opera companies in the world, respectively. Is is the parent to The Bolshoi Ballet Academy, a world leader in ballet schools.
• Red Square- Considered to be the central square of Moscow and all of Russia, it separates the Kremlin, the residence of the President of Russia, and a historic merchant quarter called Kitai-gorod. Major streets radiate from this center. This area was recognized in 1990 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich history dating back to the 13th century.
• St. Basil's Cathedral- Located on the Red Square and erected in 1588, this building is like no other you will find in Russia and its lengthy history. It is also known as the Cathedral of Intercession of Theotokos on the Moat and was built by Ivan the Terrible to commemorate his successful military campaign. It consists of 9 chapels and is incredibly colorful and shapely. The interior is a maze of galleries.
• GUM Department Store- Reminiscent of train stations in London & Paris, the "State Department Store" takes up almost the entire eastern side of the Red Square. This is the largest shopping mall in Moscow, with three stories, over 1,000 stores, and has had various uses over the past century and a half. This is a must-see for any avid shopper!
• Sergiev Posad- Named after St. Sergius of Radonezh, this picturesque Golden Ring city is the location of one of four of the most important Russian Orthodox monasteries in Russia as well as an important toy factory.
• Tretyakov Gallery- Founded in 1856, this is the foremost collection of Russian fine art in the world, containing more than 130,000 exhibits! It was administratively merged with the Gallery of Contemporary Art in 1985.
• Military Museum- Known as the Central Museum of the Armed Forces, it contains a vast collection of military memorabilia. It is easily recognizable by the T-34 tank and ballistic missile located directly out front. The entire first floor is dedicated to the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). Careful when planning your trip here as it is closed Mondays & Tuesdays.
• Novodevichy Convent- One of the best-known Russian cloisters, it is also referred to as 'Bogoroditse-Smolensky Monastery' and (uniquely) has remained nearly wholly intact since the 17th century. This convent has a diverse and lively history which can best be experienced through a visit.