| July
18 - August 2, 2008
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| Distinguished
lecturers, Executive Director James Manning from the ASP, and
Research Scientist Michelle Thaller from the California Institute
of Technology, will provide astronomical enrichment programs
prior to eclipse day on August 1.
|
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Courtesy
of MWT Associates |
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Hermitage |
Viking
Kirov |
Cabin |
Images
courtesy of MWT Associates |
Tour
includes:
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Roundtrip airfare from JFK
- Airport/hotel/ship
transfers
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12 days/11 nights cruise aboard the 160 passenger, VIKING KIROV
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All meals on board the vessel and meals on land as marked
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Captain's Welcome Cocktail Reception
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Complimentary wines with dinner
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Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages on vessel
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Private motorcoach excursions with English speaking guides
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Shipboard gratuities included
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Distinguished astronomical lecture program
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Port lectures aboard the vessel on Russian art, cultural, and
history
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4 days/3 nights in Novosibirsk, Siberia
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Eclipse observation site in the Siberian countryside
Old
World Heritage Tour Highlights Include:
- Champagne
and Caviar tasting on the Kirov
- Traditional
Russian Tea Time on board
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Novosibirsk: City tour and evening performance
- Shore
Excursions included along the waterways are:
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Moscow: City tour; Red Square; Metro; Kremlin & Armory
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Moscow Circus Performance
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Kizhi: Walking Tour
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Goritzy: Excursion
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Yaroslavl: Excursion and walking tour
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Uglich: Walking tour
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St. Petersburg: City tour; Hermitage, Pushkin excursion; Evening
performance of ballet or opera
ITINERARY
Friday/Saturday,
July 18/19, 2008 — New York/Helsinki/Moscow, Russia
An overnight flight from New York to Helsinki continuing on to Moscow.
Upon arrival in Moscow, a transfer is provided to the vessel. Board
the Viking Kirov and relax before meeting fellow eclipse aficionados
tonight. (D)
Sunday,
July 20, 2008 — Moscow, Russia
The morning tour begins with a ride on the city’s famed Metro.
We’ll see the Bolshoi Theatre, St. Basil’s picturesque
onion domes and Red Square. This evening, we are treated to the
Moscow State Circus, world-renowned for breathtaking acrobatics
and trapeze artists. (B/L/D)
Monday,
July 21, 2008 — Moscow, Russia
After breakfast we will visit the Kremlin, a fortified enclosure
that holds the Royal Armory and imperial crown jewels. (B/L/D)
Tuesday,
July 22, 2008 — Moscow Canal – Uglich
The morning is spent cruising the Moscow Canal and Volga River before
arriving in Uglich in the afternoon. A walking tour at Uglich, one
of the Golden Ring cities, is scheduled to 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. Evening departure after some free time exploring. (B/L/D)
Wednesday,
July 23, 2008 — Yaroslavl, Russia
Yaroslavl was founded by Yaroslavl, the Wise in the11th century.
The “Kremlin” withstood attacks by the Mongols and Tartars
through the centuries. We take a motorcoach ride along the river
to see the red brick Church of the Epiphany with its beautiful handcrafted
tiles and visit the uniquely symmetrical Church of St. Elijah, the
Prophet, which offers impressive frescoes and colorful icons. Afterwards
explore the marketplace for colorful Russian matryoshkas. (B/L/D)
Thursday,
July 24, 2008 — Goritzy & Volga-Baltic Waterway
The famous Kirillov Belozersky Monastery was founded by Saint Cyril
in 1397. Our tour this morning shows the grounds and an extensive
museum. Return to our ship for lunch.
This
afternoon we begin sailing the Volga-Baltic Waterway, a system of
canals linking the Volga River and Baltic Sea. Astronomical program.
(B/L/D)
Friday,
July 25, 2008 — Cruising Lake Onega/Kizhi Island
Today we continue our astronomical lecture program. This afternoon
we begin cruising through Europe’s second-largest lake with
a stop at Kizhi Island to tour the Open Air Museum of Architecture.
The 18th century three-tiered, fairy-tale Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration)
Church was built in 1714 without a single nail. Astronomical Program.
(B/L/D)
Saturday,
July 26, 2008 — Svir River
Cruising through Lake Onega to Lake Ladoga along the narrow, 139-mile
“blue route”, with its craggy hills and low sandy beaches
of the Svir River. Astronomical Program. (B/L/D)
Sunday,
July 27, 2008 — St. Petersburg
Welcome to St. Petersburg. Peter the Great’s original outpost
against the Swedes, St. Petersburg was born from this fortress and
its historical significance is felt even today. Our tour today features
the elegant Catherine’s Palace, named for Peter’s widow,
Catherine I. Here are many of its displays including collections
of porcelain, ancient furniture, bronze ware, and sculptures. This
baroque palace is best known for its Hall of Mirror. The one of
a kind tour includes Nevsky Prospect, St. Isaac's Cathedral and
a guided tour of Peter & Paul Cathedral.
An
early dinner on board before attending an evening performance of
traditional Russian ballet or opera. (B/L/D)
Monday,
July 28, 2008 — St. Petersburg
Today we will have time to stroll through central St. Petersburg
and visit the Summer Gardens, created by Peter the Great to surround
his home. See the marble statures lining the tree-covered walkways
from the canals to the Neva, setting of Tchaikovsky’s opera,
“Queen of Spades.” Optional additional cultural evening:
Opera, Ballet or Symphony Performance at the Mariinsky Theatre,
if available. (Must be requested no later than March 2007). (B/L/D)
Tuesday,
July 29, 2008 — St. Petersburg
The piece de resistance today is the Winter Palace, opulent home
of the last six czars. We will visit the Hermitage Museum, featuring
one of the world’s greatest collections of fine art. (B/L/D)
Wednesday,
July 30, 2008 — St. Petersburg – Novosibirsk,
Siberia
After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Moscow
and Novosibirsk. The afternoon is at leisure to unpack and relax.
(B/D)
Thursday,
July 31, 2008 — Novosibirsk, Siberia
This morning join fellow travelers for our astronomical enrichment
program in preparation for tomorrow’s eclipse. The afternoon
takes us on a cultural journey beginning with the Chapel of St.
Nicholas, said to be the geographical center of Russia. One of the
city’s finest highlights is the Opera & Ballet Theatre,
bigger than Moscow’s Bolshoi, and boasts a grand interior.
A cultural
evening is scheduled for tonight. (B/L)
Friday,
August 1, 2008 — Total Solar Eclipse
Preparations for Eclipse Day begin early with setting up cameras
and telescopes. (B/L/D)
Saturday,
August 2, 2008 — Novosibirsk-Moscow-U.S.A
Select one of the many options to extend your stay in Siberia, Russia
or Europe or continue homeward with lasting memories of a land once
closed to our generations now inviting all to share in its history,
art and peace. (B)
For
more information, please contact MWT Associates at 877-707-7827
or visit their website at www.melitatrips.com
Please
note, individuals who sign up for a trip with reference to
the ASP will be added to our mailing list unless you email
us with a request to be removed. You can also view our
privacy policy for additional
information.
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