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Itinerary
for Russian Waterways Tour - September 2011 |
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Included meals are indicated as B =
Breakfast, L =Lunch, D = Dinner |
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| 31.08.11 |
Sydney - Hong Kong
Brisbane passengers depart Brisbane at 7.35am on Qantas flight QF 507,
arriving in Sydney at 9.10am.
Melbourne passengers depart Melbourne at 8.00am on Qantas flight QF
414, arriving in Sydney at 9.25am.
All passengers then depart Sydney at 10.45am on Qantas flight QF 127,
arriving in Hong Kong at 5.45pm.
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the Kimberly Hotel for
a 2 night stay. Centrally located in the bustling shopping and
entertainment district of Tsimshatsui, Kowloon. The hotel has 546 rooms
all equipped with amenities and features a wide range of restaurants
and bar, Coffee House, Lobby Lounge, Chinese/Japanese restaurants.
Other facilities include business centre, health spa, gymnasium and
golf driving range.
Accommodation: Kimberly Hotel.
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01.09.11
(B) |
Hong Kong
Today there will be a half day Hong Kong Island Tour.
First stop Victoria Peak, overlooking the west of Hong Kong Island, it
is the highest peak on this island. It is the most enduring tourist
attraction in Hong Kong, with the city's oldest transport, the 112 year
old Peak Tram and Hong Kong's icon and most unusual building the Peak
Tower. In the early colonial
rule, Victoria Peak was accessible only to Hong Kong's high society
while the common could visit the peak by permit from the colony's
governor. Today Victoria Peak is a world renowned scenic spot. We take
a ride on the Peak Tram and ascend to Victoria Peak, which is 1805 feet
above sea level. On the peak you come to experience the dazzling
panorama of Hong
Kong Island, the harbour, Kowloon Peninsula and the hills beyond.
Moreover, the peak offers visitors great entertainment, dining and
shopping options. You find a wide selection of restaurants and
boutiques selling souvenirs, clothes and gifts in the Peak Galleria and
the Peak Tower.
Next stop is Stanley Market. Stanley is a coastal village on the
southern side of Hong Kong Island. It is a must see place
for visitors
to Hong Kong. Stanley used to be a small fishing village but in recent
years, a series of restaurants and pubs have been established here. Now
this village is bustling with throngs of people. Stanley Market is
located up the road from the harbour and the highlight of Stanley. Over
the years its become known for its bargains, which includes silk
garments, sportswear, art, Chinese costumes, souvenirs, ornaments and a
host of fantastic crafts. It is one of the famous open-air markets in
Hong Kong. Strolling in this street and bargaining with the shrewd
vendors is something most travellers find amusing to try.
Next stop is Aberdeen, located on the southern tip of Hong Kong Island.
It is the largest satellite town with a population of about 60,000. It
was a pirates den two centuries ago and later turned into a simple
fishing village. In recent years, with local high rise building
developments, Aberdeen has modernised and now it has become a vibrant
waterfront resort for people from metropolitan Hong Kong. Despite
modernization, traditional fishing life still prevails. Hundreds of
junks and sampans, old fashioned boats serve as floating homes for
thousands of people. They crowd in the narrow harbour, dramatically
juxtaposed against a modern high rise building that spreads up the
nearby hillsides. We take a 20 minute sampan ride in the harbour to
truly appreciate this fascinating place.
Afterwards there is a short visit to a prestigious jewellery factory,
where
meticulous craftsmen fashion works of art from gold and gems.
Accommodation: Kimberly Hotel. |
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02.09.11
(B) |
Hong Kong
The Cultural Heritage Tour gives you a perfect opportunity to explore
the treasures of the territories unique past and traditions which
distinguish between the religions that shaped the local people's
culture and customs across ancient archaeological sites, traditional
Chinese structures, temples to different clans ancestral hall around
the cultural side of New Territories, which occupies 980 sq km or 91%
of Hong Kong's land area.
The tour begins from an impressive Buddhist Monastery (Chuk Lam Shim
Yuen), housing the three largest "Precious Buddha" Statues in Hong
Kong. The complex includes many features of traditional Chinese
architecture and is surrounded by a beautiful plantation of bamboo
trees. You will also visit the new five hundred Lohans Hall which took
12 years to build and cost eighty million dollars.
Heading up to the highest mountain in Hong Kong. Tai Mo Shan (Big Hat
Mountain) country park and a stop at Route Twisk Look Out, you will
have a panoramic view of Lam Chuen Valley, Shek Kong Airport and Camps,
and see the nearby cities in China.
Our next stop will take you to Failing, Lumen Wu market, one of the
biggest indoor food markets in the territories, you can experience the
life of local people having their meals in the food court, as well as
buying their fresh
meat, fish, fruits and vegetables inside the complex.
Then visit the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail - Tang Chun Ling
Ancestral Hall. The Hall is one of the largest ancestral halls in Hong
Kong and was built in 1525 in honour of the founding ancestor, Tan
Chung Ling (1302-1387). The building is exquisitely decorated with fine
wood carvings, polychrome plaster mouldings and murals of auspicious
motifs fully reflecting the superb craftsmanship of the old days.
After that go to the Tin Hau Temple (Goddess of the Sea) which is
situated between Ancestral Hall and Lo Wai. The date of construction is
not known, however according to village elders, the temple was
constructed earlier than Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall. Next to the
ancestral hall is Lo Wai (Old Wall Village), which is the first and one
of the five renowned walled villages in Lung Yeuk Tau, Fanling was
established by the Tang clan whose ancestors branched out from in Kam
Tin in the 13th century. It was declared as a monument in 1997. You
will have a home visit where you are invited to one of the oldest
brick houses inside the old wall village, which was built in 17th
century.
Late 6.00pm check-out from the hotel. You will be transferred to Hong
Kong Airport . |
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03.09.11
(D) |
Hong Kong - St Petersburg
Depart Hong Kong at 12.25am on Finnair flight AY 070, arriving in
Helsinki at 6.05am. Then depart Helsinki at 9.50am on AY 165, arriving
in St Petersburg at
11.50am. You will be met and transferred to your ship, the MS
Shashkov.
The Zosima Shashkov is a comfortable four deck vessel, built in Germany
in 1986 and refurbished in 2002. It has a total passenger capacity of
296 persons. The motor ship is equipped with modern
navigational facilities and exceeds the speed of 26km p/hr. The vessel
features: Restaurants, bars, conference hall, souvenir
store, sauna, medical room, cocktail buffet and a solarium. All
cabins
are
outside and with large scenic windows, equipped with private
facilities, air conditioning, refrigerators and 220 volt sockets.
This afternoon there will be an information briefing followed by dinner
on board the ship.
Accommodation: On board. |
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04.09.11
(B/L/D) |
St Petersburg
St Petersburg is Russia's cultural and historical treasure, one of the
world's most beautiful cities. It is known as Venice of the north,
thanks to it's numerous canals and hundreds of bridges. It can rightly
be called a living museum - so many of it's buildings are a part of
Russia's history.
Today there is a bus city tour to St Basil's Island, The Building of
Exchange, Palace Square, Rostrum Columns, Nevsky Prospect, St Isaac
Cathedral (outside) and the Church of the Spilled Blood. Lunch is
in the city.
There will be a visit to Peter and Paul Fortress and the Winter Palace,
which is home to the Hermitage Museum - the largest collection of
Russian art in the world. The Hermitage originally started as the
private art collection of Catherine The Great. The art works are
displayed in numerous halls, many of which are works of art in
themselves. Tonight you may like to take part in an optional excursion
to the ballet, or a Rivers & Canals tour.
Accommodation: On board
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05.09.11
(B/L/D) |
St Petersburg
Today is at leisure to explore St Petersburg. You may wish to take the
optional excursions on offer to Pushkin (Catherine Palace and Park) or
Peterhof (lower park only).
Tonight there will be a presentation of the crew and the staff,
followed by dinner.
Accommodation: On board. |
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06.09.11
(B/L/D) |
Mandrogi
Mandrogi is the name of a small village that has no
architectural wonders, giant castles or churches. You will however
discover the unique style and architecture of the northern tribes that
have occupied these lands for centuries.
Here among the beautiful landscapes of this peaceful place we will have
a picnic ashore with a Russian famous shashlik (meat kebab) made on the
grill. You will have free time to stroll around the town and buy some
souvenirs, before returning to the ship. Whilst cruising on board the
ship, you will experience live music concerts, a Russian language
course, Russian song lessons, dancing music in bars nightly and the
Captain's bridge tour.
Accommodation: On board. |
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07.09.11
(B/L/D) |
Kizhi
Kizhi-Island Kizhi is the name of a unique island located on Lake
Onega. In the centre of the island stands the amazing Transfiguration
Church. This wooden church and its 22 domes are built without a single
nail. In fact, originally, the Transfiguration Church was located in
another place. The Bolsheviks, who had little, if no, respect for
religion, had some respect for it's architectural value. So they
decided to move this unique church as far from the major cities and
people as possible, to distant Kizhi Island. You will devote this day
on the island to the open-air museum of wooden architecture.
Accommodation: On board. |
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08.09.11
(B/L/D) |
Goritzy
Goritzy is famous for the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery (1937). This
monastery's strong walls and bastions were used by some nobles as a
safe house during the Time of Trouble. The Polish Armies stormed
it, but never succeeded capturing it. Unfortunately, the monastery was
not successful in repelling the attacks of other invaders four
centuries later. The Bolsheviks closed the monastery in the early 20th
century and sent its monks to the prison camps. On your walking tour
around the small town you will go inside the local Monastery of Saint
Cyril on the White Lake, an exceptional Museum of icons.
Accommodation: On board. |
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09.09.11
(B/L/D) |
Yaroslavl
By today's standards yaroslavl is small, but its place in
Russia's history and culture can not be underestimated. Before it was
annihilated by the Mongols it was Russia's largest city, its economic,
political, cultural and scientific centre. It was rebuilt shortly after
but was once again burnt to the ground. While the Mongols had been
preoccupied with yaroslavl, Moscow was able to harness enough power to
overthrow the 'Mongol yoke.' You will explore this town on the Volga
River by bus with stops in Nikolas Wonderworker, Governor's Art
Gallery, and church of the Prophet Elijah.
Afterwards, you will have free time to explore the local market.
Accommodation: On board. |
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10.09.11
(B/L/D) |
Uglich
Uglich is a small town located on the Volga River. It is most famous
for the tragic events that took place in 1591, when the 10 year old
Prince Dimitry, the last heir to the thrown of the ancient Ruyrik
Dynasty, was killed here. Historians now agree that he was killed by
Boris Godunov, adviser to Dimitry, who wanted the thrown to himself.
Dimitry's death plunged Russia into decades of political turmoil known
as the Time of Trouble.
You will discover the town on a walking tour with a visit to the
Kremlin, Transfiguration Cathedral, and the church of Saint Dimitry on
the Blood.
Accommodation: On board. |
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11.09.11
(B/L/D) |
Moscow
Moscow is Russia's largest city, it's political and economic capital.
Through bribes, diplomacy and coercion, Moscow overcame its two rival
principalities to become Russia's first city. Moscow's role was briefly
challenged when Tsar Peter the Great moved the capital to his new city
Saint Petersburg, on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Today is dedicated
to exploring Red Square, Leningradskaya and Tverskaya streets,
Novodevichiy Convent (exterior), KGB (exterior), GUM and the Cathedral
of Christ the Saviour. You may also like to take part in the optional
excursions to the Moscow Metro & Moscow by night.
Accommodation: On board. |
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12.09.11
(B/L/D) |
Moscow
Today is very special, as we will go inside the Kremlin - the ancient
castle built to withstand the Mongol hordes. Throughout history, the
Kremlin has been the centre of political power in Russia and it remains
a symbolic political centre even today. It is the official site of the
inauguration ceremony of the Russian President. The Kremlin is a living
museum of Russia's history. This historical treasure has been so well
preserved that it seems that you are travelling back in time. You will
see the most interesting places in the Kremlin as you follow our
professional guide in the steps of some of the world's greatest leaders
and its most terrible dictators. Afterwards there will be optional
excursions on offer which may include the National folk show 'Kostroma.'
Accommodation: On board. |
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13.09.11
(B) |
Moscow - Helsinki
You will be transferred to Moscow Airport departing at 12.50pm on on
Finnair flight AY 154,
arriving in Helsinki at 1.30pm. Upon arrival you will be met and
transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at
leisure.
Accommodation: Sokos Hotel President |
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14.09.11
(B/L) |
Helsinki
Today you have a full day tour of Helsinki and Old Porvoo. You start
with a Helsinki city sightseeing tour including the Senate Square,
University and Lutheran Cathedral, all displaying neo-classical
architecture of the 1840's, the colourful Market Square by the sea in
the South harbour, Kaivopuisto Park and Diplomatic Residence, the
imposing statue of Marshall Mannerheim, the Parliament Building,
Finlandia Hall and Sibelius Monument. A visit is made to Temppeliaukio
Church - called the "Rock Church" as it is carved into solid rock.
Afterwards you travel out of Helsinki and less than a hour later arrive
at the picturesque town of Porvoo, the second oldest town in Finland.
Lunch is at a local restaurant. After lunch you visit the Porvoo
Museum, Old Town Hall located in the Old Town. The Old Town Hall was
completed in 1764 and is one of Finland's oldest town halls and it now
houses the Porvoo Museum and has exhibitions on the history of Porvoo,
including artifacts, art and industrial art. The
walking tour around the Old Town will also include the Cathedral
(outside visit). The Old Town plan is from the Middle Ages, the low
small houses, picturesque yards and narrow streets forms this
historically unique wooden town. The story of seafaring and trade
community is clearly recognizable from the red warehouses on the
riverbanks. You will have some free time for a walk in the Old Town,
with quaint shops and artisan's workshops. You are then returned to
your hotel in Helsinki.
Accommodation: Sokos Hotel President |
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15.09.11
(B) |
Helsinki - Hong Kong
Today is a day at leisure with late check-out at 6.00pm. You will
be
transferred to Helsinki Airport for your flight. Depart Helsinki at
11.40pm on Finnair flight AY 069, arriving in Hong Kong at 2.25pm the
next day. |
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16.09.11
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Hong Kong
On arrival into Hong Kong Airport you will be met and transferred to
the Kimberly Hotel for your 3 night stay. The rest of the day is at
leisure.
Accommodation: Kimberly Hotel. |
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17.09.11
(B) |
Hong Kong
Today we have an optional full day tour to Macau. The oldest European
settlement in the Orient. First we have a sixty minute jetfoil or
catamaran journey from Hong Kong to Macau. The Macau city sightseeing
begins with a drive along Guia Circuit where the Macau Grand Prix
is held
annually. A stop at the statue of Kum Lam, which is dedicated to the
Goddess of Mercy, with a 20 metre high bronze figure, emerging from a 7
metre high lotus in the outer harbour. You will visit 400 year old
Ama Temple, built in 1488,
dedicated to the Goddess of seafarers and fishermen Matsu. This temple
was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2005. You also
visit St Paul's Ruins - a grand imposing facade
which is the ruins of an early 16th century church designed by Italians
and built by Japanese Christian exiles. A walking tour from St Paul's
down to the city centre, past furniture shops and clothing factory
outlets for some shopping, if time permits. This is followed by
visit to a
Casino, where you may wish to try your luck at the gambling tables,
before leaving Macau in the late afternoon.
Note: Visitors wearing shorts are not allowed to enter the Casino.
Lunch and port taxes are included. Cost: $135
Accommodation: Kimberly Hotel. |
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18.09.11
(B/D) |
Hong Kong
Today is a day at leisure. In the evening we have a harbour cruise on a
traditional Chinese sightseeing boat to let you enjoy the exciting
night views of Hong Kong Harbour. The junk takes you to Lei Yue
Mun seafood village for a brief walk ashore and then a sumptuous
farewell Chinese
dinner. On the return journey, enjoy more of the
glittering harbour views by night.
Accommodation: Kimberly Hotel. |
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19.09.11
(B) |
Hong Kong - Sydney
Today is at leisure. You will have a 6pm late checkout from your hotel
room. In the evening you will be transferred to Hong Kong airport for
the flights home.
Melbourne passengers depart Hong Kong at 7.00pm on Qantas flight
QF 30, arriving in Melbourne at 6.00am the next morning (20.09.11).
Sydney passengers depart Hong Kong at 9.00pm on Qantas flight QF 128,
arriving in Sydney at 7.55am the next morning (20.09.11).
Brisbane passengers depart Hong Kong at 11.15pm on Qantas flight QF 98,
arriving in Brisbane at 9.55am the next morning (20.09.11). |