Cruise the Waterways of Russia

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From $3,895 per person based on double occupancy, air and VAT not included
Operated by Alumni Holidays International (AHI)

Overview
Discover the highlights of Russia, with this exciting program that not only takes you to two of its largest cities, but also showcases the Russian countryside, a beautiful region that is largely untouched by tourism. Begin in St. Petersburg with a cultural performance at the Alexandrinsky Theater and a visit to Catherine’s Palace to see the famous Amber Room re-creation. Enjoy an early entrance to the State Hermitage Museum, which has one of the most extensive art collections in the world, and marvel at its treasures without the crush of large crowds. Journey to the quaint village of Mandrogi, and Kizhi Island, whose churches stand as silent testimony to the skills of Russian craftsmen. Then, visit Goritsy, once closed to western visitors; Yaroslavl, home to one of Russia’s oldest monasteries; and the historic town of Uglich. Conclude in Moscow, Russia’s capital. Discover the Kremlin and the Armory Museum during specially arranged visits, and see the highlights of Red Square, dominated by St. Basil’s Cathedral.

Itinerary
Day 1 :  In Transit from North America

• Air Program travelers will depart their gateway city for Moscow, Russia. The AHI Travel Group Air Program offers advanced seat assignments on most airlines; an air price guarantee that includes all fuel surcharges and airport and airline taxes; arrival and departure transfers, including baggage handling; and many other benefits.

Day 2 :  Moscow

• Arrive at Moscow Domodedovo Airport. After passing through immigration and customs, Group Air Program passengers will be met by an AHI Travel representative in the arrivals hall. Independent Air Program passengers who are able to join the group transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased an AHI transfer should proceed to the group flight arrivals hall to meet the AHI representative.
• Transfer to the deluxe River Victoria, the boutique river cruiser that will be your home as you make your way from Moscow to St. Petersburg. After checking in, your luggage will be delivered directly to your stateroom. Your AHI Travel Director will be with you throughout your journey to handle all program logistics and will be available daily to assist with sightseeing arrangements, dinner reservations, shopping suggestions and any other assistance you may require.
• Independent Exploration: The rest of the day is at leisure to unpack, explore the ship and pursue individual interests in Moscow.

Day 3 :  Moscow

• Excursion: Moscow, Spanning the Centuries
  Discover historic Moscow during a panoramic tour. See Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Novodevichy Convent and many other landmarks. Travel along Moscow’s bustling grand avenue, Tverskaya Street.

Day 4 :  Moscow

• Excursion: The Kremlin and The Armory
  Come inside the Kremlin, the seat of Russia’s government. This self-contained 15th-century city includes palaces, gold-dome cathedrals and a medieval fortress. You’ll also explore the impressive Armory Museum filled with czarist treasures.

Day 5 :  Moscow

• Educational Focus: Russia Today, Challenges and Prospects
  Join the onboard historian for a talk about modern Russia.
• Independent Exploration: Explore Moscow at your leisure today. Shuttle bus service will be provided between the ship and the city center.
• Tonight, as the River Victoria departs St. Petersburg, attend a festive Russian Welcome Party aboard the ship.

Day 6 :  Uglich

• Excursion: Uglich
  Soak up the scenic countryside along the Volga River before arriving in historic Uglich, a delightful Golden Ring city. Visit the Old Kremlin, the Church of St. Dimitri, the 18th-century Transfiguration Church and other landmarks.
• Educational Focus: Russian Civilization — In Search of the Formula.
  This afternoon, join the onboard historian for an insightful lecture.

Day 7 :  Yaroslavl

• Excursion: Yaroslavl
  This morning, the ship arrives in lovely Yaroslavl. Take in the landmarks, including Volkov Square, Spassky Monastery and the Church of Elijah the Prophet with its famous frescoes. Enjoy a puppet performance and savor local foods at the town’s farmers’ market.
• This afternoon, continue your cruise on the Volga.

Day 8 :  Goritsy

• Excursion: Goritsy — A Day in the Russian Countryside
  Get a taste of rural life in Russia. Visit a 15th-century lakefront monastery filled with artifacts, learn about Russian handicrafts, enjoy tea and pirozhki and watch some traditional dances. Visit a carpentry school that preserves techniques from the 19th century and peruse the village grocery shops, unchanged since Soviet times.
• As you sail into the upper Volga River later today, participate in a round-table discussion about contemporary Russia.

Day 9 :  Kizhi Island

• Early this morning, the ship leaves the Volga River and enters Lake Onega, Europe’s second-largest freshwater lake.
• Educational Focus: The Communist Experiment and its Legacy
  Learn about the lingering effects of communism in today’s Russia.
• Excursion: Kizhi Island
  Stroll this open-air museum and take in the fantastic sight of the Church of Transfiguration and its 22 onion domes that reach toward the heavens. The style of the wooden buildings on this island are quintessential examples of 18th-century architecture.

Day 10 :  Mandrogi

• Continue your cruise of Lake Onega and begin your journey on the Svir River.
• Educational Focus: Russia in Transition, from Gorbachev to Putin.
  Trace the transition from last years of the Soviet Union under the rule of Mikhail Gorbachev through the initial years of the Russian Federation under Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin.
• Excursion: Mandrogi
  Explore a cluster of wooden dachas, summer homes, and enjoy a barbecue lunch in Mandrogi, before setting sail for Lake Ladoga, the largest freshwater lake in Europe.
• This afternoon, attend a round-table discussion if you choose.

Day 11 :  St. Petersburg

• Arrive in beautiful St. Petersburg via the Neva River.
• Excursion: St. Petersburg City Tour
  Take in the sights of St. Petersburg, from the Admiralty and The Bronze Horseman to Smolny Cathedral, St. Isaac’s Square and more.
• Excursion: Alexandrinsky Theater
  This evening, enjoy a performance at the Alexandrinsky Theater.

Day 12 :  St. Petersburg

• Excursion: State Hermitage Museum
  Explore the breathtaking Hermitage, part of the opulent Winter Palace constructed by Catherine the Great, and home to one of the world’s foremost collections of fine art.

Day 13 :  St. Petersburg

• Excursion: Catherine’s Palace including the Amber Room.
  Explore Catherine’s Palace, a turquoise Russian baroque masterpiece surrounded by elaborate gardens. Inside, the famous Amber Room features intricate amber panels and mosaics made of jasper and agate. Its priceless decorations, stolen by the Nazis, have been recreated.
• Tonight, attend a Farewell Party aboard the ship.

Day 14 :  In Transit to North America

• Following breakfast, disembark the River Victoria in St. Petersburg and Air Program travelers transfer to Pulkovo Airport for their return flight to North America.

Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking.

Accommodations: The River Victoria
Renovated in 2010, the River Victoria is one of the most beautiful and comfortable ships sailing the Volga River. This elegant ship offers comfortable, well-appointed public rooms and professional service. At the restaurant, enjoy panoramic views and delicious international and regionally inspired Russian cuisine. Select a book from the library and relax on the outdoor patio or in cozy Katarina Bar. Stop by the 24-hour coffee bar or meet friends at Chagall Lounge, a full-service night club with a dance floor. Stay connected at the Internet corner or buy yourself something special from the boutique. Work out in the fitness room or pamper yourself with a soothing massage. Each spacious stateroom has river views, a private bathroom, telephone, flatscreen satellite television, individual climate controls and comfortable beds draped in fine linens.

Highlights

• Unpack just once and let River Victoria transport you to Russia’s great sites.
• Gain greater insight into “Mother Russia” with onboard lectures conducted by a resident historian.
• Make the most of Moscow with specially arranged visits to the Kremlin, the Armory Museum, Red Square, plus many more landmarks and time to explore on your own.
• Admire Russian architecture in Uglich and Yaroslavl, two cities on the Golden Ring, an area with deep-rooted traditions.
• Embrace enchanting St. Petersburg and take your seat at the magnificent Alexandrinsky Theater, the oldest Russian national theater.
• Receive early entrance to the Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s largest and most valuable collections of fine art.

Included Features
First, Four Nights in Moscow

• Indulge in the comforts of your “floating boutique hotel,” River Victoria, while you explore Moscow, Russia’s fascinating capital.
• See Moscowon a breathtaking panoramic tour, from Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral, to bustling Tverskaya Street, the Bolshoi Theatre and more.
• Visit the Kremlin and see Fabergé eggs, military armor and more in the Armory Chamber, Moscow’s greatest museum.
• Celebrate with fellow travelers at a festive Captain’s Welcome Dinner.

Next, the Imperial Waterways of Russia

• Cruise for five nights, visiting two of the jewels of Russia’s Golden Ring, Uglich and Yaroslavl, in the cultural heat of Russia.
• Witness unspoiled beauty as you sail on the Volga, Svir and Neva rivers and cruise Lake Onega and Lake Ladoga.
• Go ashore in Mandrogi for a traditional Russian barbecue lunch and folklore show.

Finally, Three Nights in St. Petersburg

• Discover the city’s magnificent architecture, and visit Peter and Paul Fortress, Peterhof and St. Isaac’s Cathedral.
• Explore the Amber Room in the baroque Catherine’s Palace.
• View the riches of the State Hermitage Museum, and enjoy early access before the museum opens to the public.
• Attend a cultural performance at the historic Alexandrinsky Theater and a Farewell Party aboard the ship.

Many Included Extras

• An extensive meal program including 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 12 dinners, plus appropriate in-flight meals.
• Services of an experienced Personal VOX listening devices allow you to hear every word from your expert English-speaking guides.
• Consultation services of a Passenger Service Representative prior to departure.
• Tipping of excursion guides and drivers.
• Detailed travel and destination information to assist you in planning.
• Complimentary travel wallet.

Air Program
For your convenience, AHI offers a flexible Air Program featuring special air fares available at an additional cost in conjunction with the Land Program.  AHI has designated specific Group Air Schedules for this departure utilizing scheduled, round-trip jet service from North America to Moscow, Russia, with a return from St. Petersburg. Those participating on these flights will enjoy:

• Motor coach transfers between the arrival/departure airports abroad and the ship, including baggage handling.
• Prices are dependent upon dates, air routes and class of service chosen and will be reflected on your Reservation Confirmation, which will be sent to you upon receipt of your reservation. Air schedules will be sent with your Final Invoice approximately 90 days before departure.
• Prices quoted to you will include all domestic and foreign governmental airport departure taxes and fees and any applicable fuel surcharges.
• AHI ticketed passengers will also receive Automatic $250,000 Flight Insurance, subject to policy terms.

Your Northwestern Host

Kathryn Kimura Mlsna (WCAS74, L77) is Chief Strategy and Integration Officer/Legal Officer for the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana.   Her previous position was AVP/Client services for Global Lead Management Consulting, a firm providing consulting and training services in the area of diversity and inclusion and talent management.

Prior to celebrating her 30th anniversary with the company, Kathryn was Managing Counsel at McDonald's Corporation, Oak Brook, Illinois; leading the Global Marketing and Intellectual Property Group in McDonald's Global Legal Department.  Her group provided legal support of the advertising and promotional programs conducted by the over 13,000 McDonald's restaurants in the United States.

Her group was also the subject matter expert resource for the company's international legal counsel relating to their responsibilities for the over 15,000 restaurants around the world.  She and her group received the Company's "Star Award" in connection with their work on the Teenie Beanie Babies promotions.

She is a past chair/president (the first female lawyer to hold this position) of the 700-member Promotion Marketing Association, having served as its vice president, chair of its annual Promotion Marketing Law Conference, chair of its legal committee, and chair of its integrated marketing committee.  Kathryn also served on the board of The Girls Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana.

Kathryn is co-author of the chapter "Planning a Legal Promotion -- Sales Promotion Laws and Regulations" appearing in The Sales Promotion Handbook, Dartnell Publishing.  She is a contributor to the American Bar Association's publication Dear Sisters, Dear Daughters, a compilation of mentoring advice from 80 lawyers in the United States, and its upcoming book What In House Counsel Need to Know. Kathryn has been featured in a number of books about leadership in the business world.

Kathryn received her bachelor's degree and JD degree from Northwestern; while at Northwestern she pledged Kappa Alpha Theta. She served as an officer on the NAA Board of Directors from 1996 - 1998, and currently serves on the board as an officer.  She is past president of the Council of One Hundred and was a steering committee chair for NU-A5.  She has served on reunion committees for her undergraduate and law school reunions, and serves on the law school fund board.  Kathryn has a daughter (WCAS03) who is pursuing her Doctorate in Neurobiology at NU, and two sons, one who is a student at the law school.  Her husband, Tim Mlsna also graduated from Northwestern's School of Law.