Russia & Germany

Greg booked our Russia tour. He's pretty darn excited about this one. Below that is the info on our tour of Berlin.

Moscow, Kremlin & KGB Museum Itinerary
This Celebrity Xpedition excursion into Moscow provides a unique opportunity to see the highlights of the Russian Capital including a look behind the iron curtain with the KGB. Accompanied by a St. Petersburg guide, you will transfer to the St. Petersburg airport for the one-hour flight to Moscow. You will be met via limousine and begin with a drive through the bustling streets bound for the museum of the world-famous Russian Security and Intelligence Service, KGB, located in the legendary Lubianka Building. Follow your FSB (KGB) Officer who will relay the role this organization played in the development of the Soviet State. View the impressive collection of espionage equipment belonging to US pilot, Pauers, who was ordered shot down in 1961 by Khruschev. The museum will also reveal the true stories of several legendary Russian spies. Following the KGB museum, you will proceed with lunch at Sword & Shield Restaurant to restore your energy before exploring the very heart of Moscow - the Kremlin.

The Kremlin is an old fortress, the most important historical and political center of Russia. While in the Kremlin, visit the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of unique Russian treasures, jewelry, court regalia, armor, coronation dresses, golden carriages, and some of the fabulous and priceless Easter Eggs by Karl Faberge. The tour of the Kremlin grounds continues to Cathedral Square, flanked by three main cathedrals – the Assumption, the Annunciation, and the Archangel Michael, all decorated with numerous golden domes. View the interior of the Archangel Michael Cathedral, the oldest church in the Kremlin, once used as a private chapel for the Russian Czars. View some curious monuments, the 200-ton Tsar Bell and the Tsar Cannon, known as one of the biggest in the world. Reboard your coach for a short transfer to Red Square where you will have an excellent view of the world-famous St. Basil Cathedral with its multi-colored onion-shaped domes. From there, photo opportunities of the Kremlin Towers and Lenin’s Tomb abound. Your Moscow tour will end with a well-deserved dinner at a prestigious city restaurant housed in an old mansion. Relax at the end of the busy day with a shot of that Russian staple - vodka. Following dinner, you will be escorted to the airport with the other Moscow guests for the return flight to St. Petersburg and the ship. Note: Conservative attire is recommended when going ashore on this tour. No exposed shoulders or knees. Short pants and tank tops are not acceptable.


Berlin Itinerary- A 20th Century Experience
Berlin is a city that has seen incredible changes over the last decade, and this is an opportunity to experience some of the fascinating history of this impressive metropolis. Begin with a 2.5-hour train ride to Berlin. During this journey, hosts will hand out breakfast snacks, coffee, and informational material to prepare you for what you will see in Berlin. Upon arrival, disembark the train and walk to your coach with your guide. From this point, begin a comprehensive coach tour through several highlights of the capital, which include photo stops at Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and the famous East Side Gallery. Some of the other highlights will be a stop at the War Memorial for the victims of War and Dictatorship, and the Templehof Airlift Memorial, where the names of the pilots, who died during the Airlift, are on display. Lunch will be served at a deluxe hotel in the center of Berlin.

Pass Schoeneberg Town Hall where Kennedy made his famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech. Continue to the Allied Museum, which focuses on the Allied occupation of Berlin from 1945 until 1994. Some of the highlights include details of the historic Berlin Airlift, the original booth that was at Checkpoint Charlie, and a border watchtower.

Before returning to the train, make a brief stop at the famous Kurfustendamm, where you can stroll and do some shopping. Once on board the train, you will be served a light dinner snack and return to the vessel with a new understanding of this amazing city.