Volga River Cruise

Welcome to Moscow! Upon your arrival a private transfer to a five-star hotel in the historic city centre. Spend the rest of the day exploring central Moscow on your own or enjoy one of the optional excursions.

Begin the day with an orientation city tour of Moscow and proceed to the famous Novodevichy Convent.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore Moscow on your own or seek out a cultural performance at one of the city's renowned venues.

Get a picture-perfect introduction to Moscow with a walking tour of the city centre. Stroll along the Red Square, where many great events in Russian history have taken place, see the sublimely beautiful Saint Basils Cathedral, Lenin Mausoleum and GUM Department Store.

Afterwards, we are heading to the famous Novodevichi Convent – one of the most beautiful Moscow’s attractions, which was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent provides an example of the highest accomplishments of Russian architecture with rich interiors and an important collection of paintings and artefacts. The evening is free to enjoy at your leisure or seek out a cultural performance at one of the city’s renowned venues.

Today we observe Kremlins Armoury Museum to explore its collection of opulent coronation finery, hand-forged armour and weapons, then continue to the Square of Four Cathedrals.

The rest of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional tours at your choice. For those who carving for an immersion to the history and art, we invite you to take a tour inside the Armoury Chamber to explore its collection of opulent coronation finery, hand-forged armour and weapons, royal carriages and sleighs. Continue to the beautifully frescoed 15thcentury Assumption and Archangel cathedrals.

The rest of the day is free, so you can continue exploring Moscow on your own or take one of our optional tours.

This morning is free for you to enjoy an independent walk in the nearby area.
Check some famous historical streets such as Tverskaya and Arbat which overflowing with history and atmosphere. Catch street performers as they charm passers-by and watch Moscow’s local artists at work.

At noon, after check-out from your hotel, we are heading to the Tretyakov Gallery - the first museum dedicated exclusively to Russian fine art. The gallery hosts a collection of over 130,000 masterpieces from early religious paintings to works by Russia’s most influential modern artists.

After several hours at the gallery explore Moscow’s Metro, known for its architectural splendour. Opened in 1935, this striking feat of engineering is one of the largest and oldest underground railway systems in the world. Its grand stations are remarkably beautiful and have become a tourist
attractions in their own right.

In the evening we transfer to the awaiting luxurious MS Volga Dream to begin sailing along the Russian waterways. Gather for the Captain's welcome reception and dinner as we begin our cruise.

After a full day of cruising through the beautiful forested countryside, dock in the ancient trading town of Uglich, one of the spokes of Russia’s renowned Golden Ring, is known for its magnificent cathedrals.

Explore the impressive Church of St. Dmitri-on-the blood, erected on the site where Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible, was murdered in 1591, and attend an enchanting concert of choral music at St. John’s
Church.

After the tour, you return to your ship and watch the documentary film "Construction of the Moscow Canal"

Today you’ll visit one of the oldest cities in Russia and the Volga’s first port - Yaroslavl.

On a guided tour you’ll visit the Spassky Monastery with the icon Transfiguration of the Savior. Admire the unique mosaics at the Church
of Elijah the Prophet and take part in a costumed reception at the governor’s house.

Afterwards, we return to the cruise ship for lunch. In the evening you can join a costumed Russian tea ceremony and Russian cooking class.

Today we arrive in the tiny settlement of Goritsy, located in the Vologda region.

You will feel like you are in medieval times when strolling in this exciting and picturesque town.

Here we will visit the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded in 1397, and now home to one of the finest collections of Russian icons in the world.

After a guided tour, continue cruising toward majestic Lake Onega.
Enjoy Russian dinner with vodka tasting on board.

One of the most well-known Russian symbols, Kizhi Island on the waters of Lake Onega, which included in the UNESCO heritage list will amaze you!

Explore a collection of ancient Russian wooden houses and windmills, and the famous Transfiguration church, built in 1714 without a single nail.

It has withstood the Earth's elements for more than 150 years and yet this spectacular church remains the tallest wooden structure in the world.

Enjoy the Piano Concert – pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov, upon returning to the cruise ship.

While cruising along the 139-mile-long Svir River, appreciate the quiet understated beauty of a region that has long inspired artists and poets.

The ship passes quaint riverside hamlets before reaching Lake Ladoga. Step ashore for a brief visit to the vacation village of Mandrogi to experience daily life in a quaint wooden village on your own. The village, which was razed to the ground during the Second World War, stands a reproduction of a traditional Russian settlement. Here, every effort is made to create a warm, homely atmosphere and welcome each guest with
personal attention.

Barbeque on the Open Deck will be organised for you upon
the returning from the walking tour.

After cruising along remarkable villages and enjoying picturesque
the scenery, we finally arrive at St Petersburg – one of the world’s beautiful cities, the cultural capital of Russia.

Enjoy a tour of the St. Petersburg city centre, including Peter and
Paul Fortress, burial place of the Romanov monarchs, and Nevsky
Prospect, where fine shops, cafes, and museums are found.

Stroll along the Spit of Basil Island (Vasilievsky) - the unique place in
St. Petersburg full of historical points and legends. Enjoy the magnificent architecture of the 2 iconic sights - St. Isaac Cathedral and the Spilled Blood Church.

Following lunch enter the renowned Hermitage Museum, home to one of the most important collections of European art in the world.

In the evening check-in at the five-star hotel in the city centre.

Begin today at the meticulously restored Peterhof, St. Petersburg’s
most famous and spectacular Imperial estate, often cited as the Versailles of Russia.

Visit the authentic Bath Cottage and stroll in the vast Lower Park with 176 fountains of various forms and styles and four cascades, majestic palaces and numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes.

The rest of the day is spent at your leisure or join one of our optional
tours.

This morning travel to Catherine the Great’s Palace, which houses the extraordinary Amber Room, its six tons of solid amber deftly
carved and framed in gold leaf.

Once deemed the “eighth wonder of the world,” the room was stripped by the Nazis in 1941, but majestically reconstructed in honour of St. Petersburg’s 300th birthday.

After lunch at Podvorie, a restaurant in a traditional Russian log house, return to St. Petersburg and visit Faberge museum, which contains world's largest collection of works by Carl Faberge, including 9 Easter eggs commissioned by the Russian royal family.

This morning check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight.