Compare Tokyo To Seward (Anchorage) by Silversea vs Cruise of the Czars: The Russian Waterways by SmarTours

Day 1: Tokyo, Japan

In places Tokyo seems to have been frozen in time—especially in the traditions that underpin many Tokyoites’ lives or the temples and gardens that have survived centuries of upheaval—yet in others the city never stands still, and change of some kind—gradual and rapid—is always afoot. Lights, sushi, manga! Sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating, Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts. Shrines and gardens are pockets of calm between famously crowded streets and soaring office buildings. Mom-and-pop noodle houses share street space with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shopping yields lovely folk arts as well as the newest electronics.

Day 2

Day At Sea

Day 3: Kushiro, Japan

Kushiro, known as the "town of mist", is situated in the south eastern part of Hokkaido. With about 200,000 inhabitants, it is the largest city in the region and the base for deep-sea fishing. The marine products industry of Kushiro has flourished since the early 20 th century and many streets of this port town retain features of this era. Thanks to its strategic location on Hokkaido's Eastern Pacific seaboard and the area's only ice free port, Kushiro is experiencing steady growth as an important economic, social and cultural centre. A literary atmosphere can be attributed to the poet and novelist Takuboku Ishikawa, who lived here in the early 20th century

Day 4 & 5

Day At Sea

Day 6: Petropavlovsk (Kamchatsky), Russian Federation

The Kamchatka Peninsula is part of the Eastern frontier of Russia. Due to its close proximity to the United States, the region has played a strategic role in the defense of Russian territory throughout modern history. As a result, the territory was closed for many years to foreigners and Russians alike. Fortunately, the region's isolated position played a significant role in preserving and protecting its unique wilderness and rich biodiversity. With few roads, most regional transportation is by plane, boat, or helicopter.

Day 7

Day At Sea

Day 8

Date Line Gain A Day

Day 9: Dutch Harbour, Unalaska, AK, United States of America

The Aleutians are a chain of more than 300 small volcanic islands extending in an arc from the Kamchatka Peninsula towards Alaska. The islands became the stepping stones of history that attracted Russian explorers to Alaska in the 18th century. Along the treeless, windswept islands, one can see onion-domed churches mixed in with rusted Quonset huts, weed-covered bunkers and shell casings; reminders of the bitter campaigns fought here between American and Japanese forces during World War II. Together with the city of Unalaska, Dutch Harbor, located at Unalaska Island at the end of the Aleutian chain, is a bustling community with about 4,000 residents.

Day 10

Day At Sea

Day 11: Kodiak, Kodiak Island, AK, United States of America

Today commercial fishing is king in Kodiak. Despite its small population—about 13,500 people scattered among the several islands in the Kodiak group—the city is among the busiest fishing ports in the United States. The harbor is also an important supply point for small communities on the Aleutian Islands and the Alaska Peninsula. Visitors to the island tend to follow one of two agendas: either immediately fly out to a remote lodge for fishing, kayaking, or bear viewing; or stay in town and access whatever pursuits they can reach from the limited road system

Day 12: Homer, Alaska, United States of America

At the southern end of the Sterling Highway lies the city of Homer, at the base of a narrow spit that juts 4 miles into beautiful Kachemak Bay. Glaciers and snowcapped mountains form a dramatic backdrop across the water. Founded in the late 1800s as a gold-prospecting camp, this community was later used as coal-mining headquarters. Chunks of coal are still common along local beaches; they wash into the bay from nearby slopes where the coal seams are exposed.

Day 13: Seward (Anchorage), AK, United States of America

It is hard to believe that a place as beautiful as Seward exists. Surrounded on all sides by Kenai Fjords National Park, Chugach National Forest, and Resurrection Bay, Seward offers all the quaint realities of a small railroad town with the bonus of jaw-dropping scenery. This little town of fewer than 3,000 citizens was founded in 1903, when survey crews arrived at the ice-free port and began planning a railroad to the Interior. Since its inception, Seward has relied heavily on tourism and commercial fishing. It is also the launching point for excursions into Kenai Fjords National Park, where it is quite common to see marine life and calving glaciers.

Day 1: Depart USA.

Your fascinating voyage on one of our Russian tours begins as you depart New York this evening on your overnight flight via Finnair.

Day 2: Arrive Moscow.

Meals: Dinner

Today, arrive in Moscow, the historic capital of Russia situated between the banks of the Oka and Volga Rivers. You’ll be met at the airport and escorted to the pier where you board your riverboat with the balance of the day at leisure to rest and unpack. This evening, enjoy an orientation briefing followed by dinner on your first-class floating hotel. You will spend two nights docked in Moscow before setting sail. MS Sergei Yesenin

Day 3: Moscow Sightseeing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning join a guided walking tour of the Kremlin’s grounds where you’ll see the Czar’s Cannon, the 200 ton Czar’s Bell and the architecturally striking Cathedral. The highlight of the tour will be a guided visit to the renowned Armory Museum, the depository of Russian riches. Here you’ll view weapons, carriages, thrones, the famous Faberge eggs and other unique treasures. Tonight, your Cruise Director may assist in arranging tickets for an optional mesmerizing performance at the renowned Moscow Circus.

Day 4: Moscow/Set Sail.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, enjoy an orientation tour to view the city’s major highlights: Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral with its colorful onion domes and the Kremlin, the seat of the Russian government. Leisure time for independent pursuits and last minute souvenir shopping. You may also wish to visit Moscow’s ornate Metro system and stroll along Arbat pedestrian street on an optional excursion. Enjoy a drink this evening on the sun deck as you set  sail on your wonderful Volga adventure in the late afternoon.

Day 5: Uglich.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Over the next few days aboard one of our Russian river cruises, sail along the scenic Volga River. Today, dock in Uglich, Russia’s second oldest city and one of its most beloved. You’ll have an opportunity to visit the imposing Church of St. Demitrius of the Blood, the Palace of Tsarevich Dmitri and see the fine collection of Russian Orthodox architecture. Back on board, enjoy a wide variety of activities from lectures to games organized by your wonderful on board staff/crew.

Day 6: Yaroslavl.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today’s port of call is Yaroslavl, founded in the 11th century. Its main attractions are in the area around the main square anchored by the impressive Governor’s Palace. A guided tour includes the ancient monastery and the Church of Elijah the Prophet, renowned for its precious frescoes. Back on board, you’ll enjoy a delightful folk performance.

Day 7: Goritzi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, stop at the quaint riverside town of Goritzi, typical of the charming villages along the river. You’ll have an opportunity to disembark and explore on foot. A visit to an authentic peasant home is included. Later, you’ll be our guest for a caviar & Blini tasting featuring red caviar and blini pancakes with vodka.

Day 8: Kizhi Island.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This afternoon, enjoy a magnificent walking tour on the fairy tale island of Kizhi, situated in the northern part of Lake Onega. Kizhi boasts a delightful open-air museum highlighting the picturesque architecture of the region. A guided walking tour will include the Church of Transfiguration, a truly outstanding masterpiece of wooden structure!

Day 9: Mandrogi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of the charming town of Mandrogi, a replica of an authentic 19th century Russian village. Be sure to visit the Vodka Museum (celebrating over 2500 varieties of Russia’s national drink) and delight in an outdoor shashlik barbecue with live entertainment! Return to the boat to continue sailing this afternoon. This evening, enjoy a gala dinner hosted by your captain as you approach your final destination: breathtakingly gorgeous St. Petersburg.

Day 10: Arrive St. Petersburg.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

St. Petersburg, one of Europe’s most magnificent cities, is often called “Venice of the North”. While docking in St. Petersburg for the next three days, experience the architecture, natural beauty and rich culture of the city. St. Petersburg, the former capital of Czarist Russia, was founded by Peter the Great in 1703. On this morning’s guided tour drive along the famous Nevsky Prospect and view St. Isaac’s Cathedral as well as other city highlights. An inside tour of Peter and Paul Fortress will end the tour on a high note.

Day 11: St. Petersburg/Hermitage Museum.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, an expert guide leads you on a tour of the priceless art collection presented at the famous Hermitage Museum, located at the Winter Palace. The Hermitage boasts over 3 million artifacts spread across 365 rooms, featuring an art collection dating from ancient Greece to modern times. You may be particularly interested in the originals by Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Picasso. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 12: St. Petersburg/Optional Palaces Excursion.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

A day at leisure. We recommend a full day optional Palaces excursions that includes visits to two premier palaces. First visit Catherine’s Palace in Pushkin, the former residence of Russian Royalty. Here you’ll also visit the fabulous Amber Room and admire the numerous art pieces. Proceed to Peterhof Palace, the summer residence of the Czars. Here you’ll visit the magnificent gardens built to rival Versailles, renowned for their fountains powered by the force of gravity. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for your final dinner aboard the ship as a group.

Day 13: St. Petersburg/New York.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, disembark from the MS Sergei Yesenin and transfer to the airport for your return flight. Your memorable cruise through Russia ends as you arrive New York this afternoon.