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Waterways of the Tsars

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Day 10

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St. Petersburg, Russia

Sail on the Neva River into St. Petersburg early this morning. After a leisurely breakfast, visit the Winter Palace to tour the legendary Hermitage Museum, where you marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculpture. Return on board for an early dinner, followed by an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
St. Petersburg, Russia

The Hermitage

With its vast collection of brilliant paintings by European Masters, the Hermitage is one of the world’s greatest art museums.

Included
Ballet dances in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg Ballet Performance

Attend the ballet in St. Petersburg, city of Baryshnikov and Nureyev, during this enriching evening amid the city’s rich theater scene, all in an exquisite setting.

Included
St. Petersburg, Russia

Privileged Access: The Hermitage Behind Closed Doors

Get a private, insider’s view of one of the world’s great art collections.

Privileged Access
Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Videos

A woman in a black blazer with the words "Hello" in English and Russian overlayed in white text.

Russian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Russian words and phrases with Paulina, your Viking tutor. Spasibo!

A canal in St. Petersburg, lined with boats and colorful houses, sparkles in dawn light.

Canals of St. Petersburg

Join Karine and discover why majestic St. Petersburg is known as the “Venice of the North” during a tour of the city’s vast network of canals and bridges.

Gallery of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg

Hermitage Access

Experience St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, the unrivaled art collection of Catherine the Great, as you never imagined: with personalized, after-hours tours by expert curators.

Hermitage cat

Hermitage Cats

Since 1747, a stealthy army of cats has protected the treasures of St. Petersburg’s famed Hermitage Museum from rodents. Karine heads into the museum’s basement to seek them out.

Elderly Russian soldier in uniform

A Russian Hero

Meet Mikhail Bobrov, the “Most Honored Citizen of St. Petersburg.” The legendary Russian adventurer stopped Nazi warplanes and saved countless lives during the siege of Leningrad by putting his own life on the line.
Document about culture and history of former Soviet Union

Eyewitness to History

Karine talks with Vladlen Kuzin, former head of propaganda and director of the Leningrad Documentary Studio, about the part he has played in documenting the culture and history of the former Soviet Union.

Russian Ballet dancers with white tutus.

The Russian Ballet

Ballet is virtually synonymous with Russia. This inspiring art form began as entertainment for the royal court in the mid-1700s. Learn why it remains so celebrated around the world.

Karine Hagen visiting a Russian farmers' market

Russian Market Tour

Share in Karine’s sensory experiences at a traditional Russian farmers’ market, where vibrant fruits and vegetables, baked goods and artisanal honey please the eye, and the palate.

Annunciation Cathedral in Moscow, Russia

Kommunalka Home Visit

Come inside for a private tour of a typical Soviet Russian home, a kommunalka, a communal apartment like those shared by many Russian families for generations in the post-revolutionary years of the 20th century.

Hand holding Russian lilacs

Russian Superstitions

Why do Russians avoid shaking hands over a doorway’s threshold? Or sit on their luggage before departing on a journey? See some of the unusual ways good fortune is ensured in Russia.

Russian Beef Soup with celery and pickles, served in a white porcelain dish

Russian Food: Starters

Here are some specialties Russians might enjoy as a starter to their main meal. From pickled mushrooms to the Salad Olivier, a traditional New Year’s dish, try some for yourself!

Woman showing Karine Hagen a selection of Russian desserts

Russian Food: Sweets

Russian meals are often topped off with something sweet. Sample some favorite desserts with Karine, from kisel, a red berry soup, to oladi, a thick pancake served with cream and jam.