History of Russia

In this three-part virtual series, we’ll become acquainted with
some of the more prominent members of both the Rurik Dynasty
(think Ivan the Terrible) and the Romanovs (think Peter the
Great, Catherine the Great, and the last Tsar, Nicholas, who,
along with his family, was murdered during the Communist Revolution in 1918.)

In Part One, Moscow, we will visit Moscow, riding the Metro to Red Square,
where we will view the Kazan Cathedral and the iconic onion-domes of St. Basil’s
(pictured), and Lenin’s Tomb, both during the daytime and at night. We will tour
the Kremlin, watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,
and visit Cathedral Square that houses the ancient cathedrals where once the
Tsars were crowned and later buried.

In Part Two, Waterway of the Tsars, we will learn a bit about the last Rurik
Tsar, Ivan the Terrible, before boarding our Viking Riverboat, “The Rurik,” for our
cruise along the 683-mile Waterway of the Tsars to St. Petersburg, stopping along
the way to visit cultural and historical villages.

In Part Three, St. Petersburg, we will disembark at our destination, St.
Petersburg, founded by the Romanov Tsar, Peter the Great. We’ll tour the
Hermitage Art Museum, Catherine’s extravagant Palace, Peterhof with its
magnificent gardens and fountains, and the fortress and Cathedral of Peter and
Paul, which houses the tombs of the ruling Romanovs and the remains of Tsar
Nicholas and his family.