Grand Volga River Cruise from Moscow to Astrakhan

Duration14days

Price fromUSD $4,795 ?Currency ConversionConverted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip StyleLuxury River Cruise

Time of yearMay - October

Discover iconic onion-domed churches, stroll through the architectural gems of Nizhniy Novgorod, and explore the treasures of Yaroslavl, Volga river's oldest city.

This Russian river cruise is an epic journey along a spectacular stretch of Europe’s largest river. This 11-day tour, staying onboard the five-star, luxury Volga Dream cruise liner includes 14 days cruising from the historic River Terminal on the Moscow Canal to the beautiful old city of Astrakhan on the banks of the Volga.

After a three day introduction to the main attractions of Moscow, you’ll set sail for some of the most picturesque towns of the Lower Volga, including Yaroslavl on the famous Golden Ring circuit. Marvel at iconic onion-domed churches and medieval forts while immersing yourself Russia’s extraordinary culture, arts, folklore, history, food and legendary love of lively celebration along the way.

Grand Volga River Cruise highlights: 

  • Highlights of Moscow: Enjoy guided excursions to the most lauded landmarks of the Russian capital. Walk the Red Square, enter the halls of the imposing Kremlin and Armoury Museum, and marvel at the works of the Russian masters at the Tretyakov Gallery
  • Uglich: With brightly painted historical buildings standing proudly along the banks of the river, Uglich is one of the most magnificent towns to behold from the Volga. Explore one of Russia’s oldest cities, home to Church of St Dmitry, built on the site where the last heir of Ivan the Terrible met his mysterious demise
  • Yaroslavl: One of the most celebrated cities of Russia’s Golden Ring, Yaroslavl has so much to see. Admire the incredible artistry of the Spassky Monastery and take part in a costumed reception at the Governer’s House
  • Nizhniy Novgorod was a once-wealthy city with a strategic position on the Eastern trade route. During the Soviet era, it was used as a place of exile for political prisoners and outsiders were forbidden. Now open to visitors once again, it boasts spectacular views from the ramparts of its 16th century Kremlin
  • By Day 7, Orthodox churches no longer dominate the landscape. Instead, the beautiful minarets of Islamic mosques pierce the sky as we enter the Republic of Tatarstan, where we disembark to discover the unique Tartar culture of the Republic’s capital, Kazan
  • Sail past the Zhigulevskie mountains towards Samsara. Our tour of the city includes a visit to the space museum and stroll along the Volga esplanade to the Samara State Art Museum
  • Discover the world-changing WWII history of Volgograd, a 16th-century city that shot to notoriety as the site of the Battle of Stalingrad, the largest and bloodiest battle in the history of warfare
  • Tour a fortress built during the reign of Ivan the Terrible in Astrakhan before flying back home.

Russia’s most significant settlements share one essential geographic detail – their connection to the Volga River, the cultural, agricultural and industrial lifeline for the country's largest population centres. What better way to take in Russia’s beautiful rural landscapes, spectacular old-world architecture and picturesque historical townships than an intimate experience sailing the waters of the mighty Volga herself. From the chaotic modern metropolis of Moscow to fairytale medieval villages and the ancient kingdom of the Tartars, this is a river cruise with few equals, offering variety and splendour on a scale that exists simply nowhere else.

Our cruise begins at the Moscow Canal ferry terminal, the city’s gateway to the Volga River. From Moscow, we’ll sail north to the fascinating Medieval city of Uglich and on to Yaroslav, one of the most iconic cities on Russia’s historic Golden Ring circuit. Next, we’ll follow the lower reaches of the Volga River to the south-east, watching the local architecture change from Tsarist cathedrals to exotic Muslim mosques as we temporarily leave Orthodox Russia and enter the Republic of Tatarstan. Finally, we’ll sail past the Zhigulevskie mountains to Samsara,  Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad), one of the single most important battlefield locations in the history of modern warfare, and then on to our departure point - Astrakhan, known for the Astrakhan Kremlin, an expansive fortress built in the 1500s.

Your luxury vessel on this eye-opening journey is the MV Volga Dream, a renovated boutique cruise ship with classic décor and distinctive Russian touches. Accommodating just 100 passengers in 50 staterooms, the Volga Dream is the perfect choice for travellers seeking an intimate experience and personalised service. Soak up the panoramic views from the elegant lounge or the spectacular sundeck and enjoy a mix of fine Russian and international fare, buffet breakfasts and four-course dinners in the restaurant. Life onboard is as laidback or action-packed as you prefer. Between trips ashore, enjoy a diverse range of activities including Russian language lessons, cooking demonstrations, matryoshka painting classes, documentary films, educational talks from our passionate guest speakers, live musical entertainment and a traditional costumed Russian dinner with vodka tasting.

Arrival

Moscow

Departure

Astrakhan

Accomodation

MS Volga Dream

Trip style

Luxury River Cruise

Duration

14 days / 13 nights

Action rating?

     

Group size

up to 100 people

Type of tour

Guaranteed Departures

Itinerary

Day 1 Moscow

Upon arrival in Moscow, transfer to the deluxe hotel in the historic city centre near the Bolshoi Theatre and Moscow Kremlin. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your flight.

Day 2-3 Moscow

Explore Moscow's main attractions, including Red Square, Kremlin and Armoury Chamber. Take a ride on the iconic Moscow's metro and visit the famous Tretyakov Gallery.

The evening on day 3 provides a chance to meet your crew and fellow travellers at Captain's welcome reception and dinner.

Day 4 Uglich

After a full day of cruising through the idyllic forested countryside, we tie up in the ancient trading town of Uglich, a key point in Russia’s renowned ‘Golden Ring’. 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. Then an enchanting concert of choral music performed in St. John’s Church.

Day 5 Yaroslavl

Explore one of central Russia’s oldest cities and boasts the Volga’s first port - Yaroslavl. There is much to see: the Spassky Monastery houses the Transfiguration of the Savior and the Church of Elijah the Prophet, an impressive collection of mosaics. Take part in a reception at the governor’s house before re-boarding the cruise ship in time for lunch.

Day 6 Sailing day

A relaxing day of leisure as Volga Dream continues its gentle voyage along the picturesque Volga river. The Sun Deck provides a glorious and ever-changing view as we pass small villages, provincial towns, churches, and monasteries. This is an area that flourished for centuries thanks to the large volume of trade along the Volga.

Our guest speaker presents an entertaining and informative lecture on the history and traditions of the places we pass.

Day 7 Nizhny Novgorod

You will hear about the city’s history as a place of exile for political prisoners. Walk the ramparts of the 16th-century Kremlin with its spectacular views, and visit elaborately painted churches. The evening’s highlight is a folk concert presented by a local children’s group.

Day 8 Kazan

Today, you will notice that the now familiar Russian Orthodox Churches no longer dominate the banks of the River Volga. Instead, beautiful Muslim mosques begin to appear as you cruise across the border into the Republic of Tatarstan.

Explore Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan and very center of Russia’s Tatar culture. Later in the day, a local ensemble will delight us with a concert of traditional Tatar music.

Day 9 Samara

A great opportunity to relax on the Sun Deck as we sail past the Zhigulevskie mountains towards the city of Samara. We begin with a city tour, which includes a visit to the space museum, then stroll along the Volga esplanade to the Samara State Art Museum.

Day 10 Saratov

Once home to a large German community, Saratov is better known today for its connection to the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin, who lived and studied in the city. Our city tour takes us to the Radishev State Art Museum, the first Russian picture gallery outside of St. Petersburg or Moscow.

Day 11 Volgograd

The site of epic battles during the Russian Revolution – between 1925 and 1961 it was known as Stalingrad. We will visit the imposing memorial on Mamayev Hill, which saw the bloodiest fighting of the war, and the Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Day 12-13 Astrakhan

The ship arrives in the city of Astrakhan in the evening. This is the world capital of caviar, also the centre of the fishing industry in Western Russia. This is where the mighty Volga flows out into the Caspian Sea.

Day 13 begins with a tour of a local fortress built during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. After lunch, an optional and fascinating lecture on the famed and much-coveted black caviar, followed by a private tasting of this most precious delicacy. 

Day 14 Departure

Here our cruise finishes. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or to our next destination.

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Inclusions

Arrival and departure group airport transfers

5* Volga Dream cruise ship

5* hotel accommodation in Moscow

Full board catering (three meals per day) while on board the cruise ship

All excursions according to the itinerary with professional English-speaking guides

Onboard entertainment including Russian language course and Russian songs lessons, live music concerts, etc

Lectures by a guest speaker

Russian visa support document

Exclusions

Flights

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees.*Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service here.

Optional excursions

Individual transfers

Dates & Prices

Dates Availability Price Single sup.  
Sep 23 - Oct 6, 2022 (M to A)
Guaranteed Departures
Available US $4,795 US $2,200 Reserve

Grand Volga River Cruise from Moscow to Astrakhan

14 days / 13 nights

From
$4,795
USD

*Price is per person, based on twin occupancy in the Standard Twin Cabin. For all other rates download the detailed itinerary.

Make an enquiry Detailed Itinerary
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Grand Volga River Cruise from Moscow to Astrakhan

14 days / 13 nights

From
$4,795
USD

*Price is per person, based on twin occupancy in the Standard Twin Cabin. For all other rates download the detailed itinerary.

Make an enquiry

Dowlnload comprehansive info-kit for this tour, FAQ’s and extras

Detailed Itinerary
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Grand Volga River Cruise from Moscow to Astrakhan

Days 14

From USD $4,795

Trip Style Luxury River Cruise

Time of year May - October

Day 1: Moscow

Upon arrival in Moscow, transfer to the deluxe hotel in the historic city centre near the Bolshoi Theatre and Moscow Kremlin. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your flight.

Day 2-3: Moscow

Explore Moscow's main attractions, including Red Square, Kremlin and Armoury Chamber. Take a ride on the iconic Moscow's metro and visit the famous Tretyakov Gallery.

The evening on day 3 provides a chance to meet your crew and fellow travellers at Captain's welcome reception and dinner.

Day 4: Uglich

After a full day of cruising through the idyllic forested countryside, we tie up in the ancient trading town of Uglich, a key point in Russia’s renowned ‘Golden Ring’. 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. Then an enchanting concert of choral music performed in St. John’s Church.

Day 5: Yaroslavl

Explore one of central Russia’s oldest cities and boasts the Volga’s first port - Yaroslavl. There is much to see: the Spassky Monastery houses the Transfiguration of the Savior and the Church of Elijah the Prophet, an impressive collection of mosaics. Take part in a reception at the governor’s house before re-boarding the cruise ship in time for lunch.

Day 6: Sailing day

A relaxing day of leisure as Volga Dream continues its gentle voyage along the picturesque Volga river. The Sun Deck provides a glorious and ever-changing view as we pass small villages, provincial towns, churches, and monasteries. This is an area that flourished for centuries thanks to the large volume of trade along the Volga.

Our guest speaker presents an entertaining and informative lecture on the history and traditions of the places we pass.

Day 7: Nizhny Novgorod

You will hear about the city’s history as a place of exile for political prisoners. Walk the ramparts of the 16th-century Kremlin with its spectacular views, and visit elaborately painted churches. The evening’s highlight is a folk concert presented by a local children’s group.

Day 8: Kazan

Today, you will notice that the now familiar Russian Orthodox Churches no longer dominate the banks of the River Volga. Instead, beautiful Muslim mosques begin to appear as you cruise across the border into the Republic of Tatarstan.

Explore Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan and very center of Russia’s Tatar culture. Later in the day, a local ensemble will delight us with a concert of traditional Tatar music.

Day 9: Samara

A great opportunity to relax on the Sun Deck as we sail past the Zhigulevskie mountains towards the city of Samara. We begin with a city tour, which includes a visit to the space museum, then stroll along the Volga esplanade to the Samara State Art Museum.

Day 10: Saratov

Once home to a large German community, Saratov is better known today for its connection to the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin, who lived and studied in the city. Our city tour takes us to the Radishev State Art Museum, the first Russian picture gallery outside of St. Petersburg or Moscow.

Day 11: Volgograd

The site of epic battles during the Russian Revolution – between 1925 and 1961 it was known as Stalingrad. We will visit the imposing memorial on Mamayev Hill, which saw the bloodiest fighting of the war, and the Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Day 12-13: Astrakhan

The ship arrives in the city of Astrakhan in the evening. This is the world capital of caviar, also the centre of the fishing industry in Western Russia. This is where the mighty Volga flows out into the Caspian Sea.

Day 13 begins with a tour of a local fortress built during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. After lunch, an optional and fascinating lecture on the famed and much-coveted black caviar, followed by a private tasting of this most precious delicacy. 

Day 14: Departure

Here our cruise finishes. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or to our next destination.

Included

Arrival and departure group airport transfers

5* Volga Dream cruise ship

5* hotel accommodation in Moscow

Full board catering (three meals per day) while on board the cruise ship

All excursions according to the itinerary with professional English-speaking guides

Onboard entertainment including Russian language course and Russian songs lessons, live music concerts, etc

Lectures by a guest speaker

Russian visa support document

Not included

Flights

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees.*Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service here.

Optional excursions

Individual transfers

Dates & Prices

DatesAvailabilityPriceSingle sup.
Sep 23 - Oct 6, 2022 (M to A)
Guaranteed Departures
Available US $4,795 US $2,200

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Grand Volga River Cruise from Moscow to Astrakhan

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