Volga River Cruise: Tsars Waterways of Russia
Duration11days
Price fromUSD $4,050 ?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 StyleRiver Cruise
Time of yearMay - October
A Volga River Cruise is for those who seek something truly unique, and yes, Russia has so much to offer... Experience Russia's rich history and cultural intrigue. enjoy the natural wonders of a vast continent.
The onion-domed buildings and gilded churches of Moscow and St. Petersburg are truly iconic – but if you delve deeper, you’ll encounter more history, heart and soul than you’d ever imagined. And as you cruise between two inspiring cultural capitals (Moscow and St Petersburg), you’ll notice something else that’s special: Russia’s unforgettable landscape. Glimpse ice-blue waterfalls, tiny islands floating in seemingly endless glassy lakes, and hauntingly beautiful sunken ruins surrounded by grand mountains.
Brand new for 2020 and the newest luxury ship in Russia, 5-star Mustai Karim has been specially designed to showcase Russia at its most authentic – because the true magic of Russia is that it’s unlike anywhere else in the world.
Volga River Cruise Highlights:
- Speciality cuisine: creative menus highlight the best of regional and world cuisine, with special consideration for all dietary requirements. Why not indulge in vodka, Champagne and caviar on the top deck?
- Exclusive excursions and entertainment: passing under the drawbridges in St. Petersburg, VIP museum openings, classical music concerts, immersive theatre, Russian tea ceremonies, cuisine tastings and cooking classes – every moment is delightfully unique.
- Wellness: a spa haven onboard, plus yoga, pilates and other fitness classes.
Arrival
St Petersburg / Moscow
Departure
Moscow / St Petersburg
Accomodation
5* MS Mustai Karim
Trip style
River Cruise
Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Action rating?
Group size
up to 329 passengers
Type of tour
Guaranteed departures
Itinerary
Day 1 St Petersburg
Welcome to St Petersburg! You will be met by a representative directly upon landing, and transferred to your 5* hotel in the city center. Relax after the flight or take a walk nearby to explore the cosy streets on your own.
Day 2 St Petersburg
After check-out from the hotel, we enjoy a city center tour by bus, including Peter and Paul Fortress, the burial place of the Romanov monarchs, Nevsky Prospect, with its endless fine shops, cafes, and museums, St.Isaak’s Cathedral, and Smolny Cathedral.
Lunch is followed by a tour of the richest art collection of the Hermitage Museum, before boarding your 5-star floating hotel, the Mustai Karim. After a brief check-in, you’ll meet the ship’s crew at a delightful cocktail reception – a relaxing way to begin your adventure after a day’s travel.
Day 3 St Petersburg
A truly unique experience awaits as you pass under the drawn bridges and navigate the canals of St. Petersburg – a privilege exclusive to the guests on this cruise.
After lunch, we travel to the magnificent Peterhof Palace, where the ‘Russian Versailles’ sparkles with golden fountains.
Day 4 Valaam
Today we depart early for the Valaam Archipelago, a group of 50 islands in the north of Lake Lagoda, the largest lake in Europe. We’ll spend the rest of the day exploring inside the walls of the Central Monastery Complex, dominated by the majestic Cathedral of the Transfiguration. Get acquainted with one of the most scared Orthodox sites in Russia and the site of numerous clashes between the Russians and Swedes in their struggle for power during the 16th century.
Day 5 Mandrogi
Experience a taste of Russia’s traditional heritage in Mandrogi: a unique village built upon a history of craftsmanship. Visit a traditional Russian village with typical wooden houses, numerous crafts exhibitions. Learn about wood painting, intricate beadwork and weaving, blacksmithing, pottery and more. Then, you’ll be treated to a traditional midday Russian picnic (BBQ) – and even have the option to take a trip to a real Russian bathhouse (banya).
Day 6 Kizhi
Prepare to be amazed at the unique beauty of Kizhi Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the ornate Church of the Transfiguration, with 22 domes built entirely from wood with no single nail. Enjoy a concert “Music of Northern Village” in a beautiful setting.
Day 7 Goritsy
A tiny Russian community with a unique medieval atmosphere, Goritsy reveals a storied past within the famous Ferapontov Monastery. Marvel at paintings over 500 years old, and delve into the lives of the royals who lived there.
Day 8 Uglich
Today you’ll arrive in Uglich, an ancient town filled with brightly coloured architecture. Its Kremlin and the Church of St. Dmitry are particularly famous – the church’s fascinating history is tied to the life and death of Ivan the Terrible’s son. In the afternoon, relax as the sounds of Kovcheg Choir wash over you, then spend a special moment of time in a local family home.
Day 9 Moscow
Today we reach our final destination - Moscow, the glorious capital of Russia. After you disembark from Mustai Kariml, you will be transferred to your centrally located 5* hotel.
Enjoy free time for self-discovery before dinner with your fellow travellers in one of the most popular restaurants.
Day 10 Moscow
Discover Moscow’s sights through the eyes of a local: the Kremlin with its iconic red-built walls; Red Square, home to the dazzling domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Zaryadye Park with its impossible floating bridge.
Day 11 Moscow
After breakfast, a comfortable transfer awaits you to take you directly to the airport for your flight back home or to your next destination.
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Inclusions
5* luxury river cruise ship accommodation
5* hotel accommodation in St Petersburg and Moscow
Full board catering (three meals per day) while onboard the cruise ship, several meals while in Moscow and St Petersburg
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
Arrival and departure airport transfers
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
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Availability | Price | Single sup. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 7 - Sep 17, 2022 (M to SPB) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | US $4,750 | US $3,780 | Reserve |
| Sep 16 - Sep 26, 2022 (SPB to M) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | US $4,750 | US $3,780 | Reserve |
| Sep 23 - Oct 3, 2022 (M to SPB) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | US $4,750 | US $3,780 | Reserve |
| Oct 2 - Oct 12, 2022 (SPB to M) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | US $4,050 | US $3,780 | Reserve |
| Oct 9 - Oct 19, 2022 (M to SPB) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | US $4,050 | US $3,780 | Reserve |
| Oct 18 - Oct 28, 2022 (SPB to M) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | US $4,050 | US $3,780 | Reserve |
Volga River Cruise: Tsars Waterways of Russia
11 days / 10 nights
*Price is "from" per person, based on twin share/double accommodation in the Upper Deck Standard Suite.
Make an enquiry Detailed Itinerary
Similar tours
Volga River Cruise: Tsars Waterways of Russia
11 days / 10 nights
*Price is "from" per person, based on twin share/double accommodation in the Upper Deck Standard Suite.
Make an enquiry
Why travel to Russia with 56th Parallel?
Destination Specialists
Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.
Group & Private Tours
The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.
Bonded & Licensed
56th Parallel is a fully licensed, insured and accredited travel provider.
Volga River Cruise: Tsars Waterways of Russia
Days 11
From USD $4,050
Trip Style River Cruise
Time of year May - October
Day 1: St Petersburg
Welcome to St Petersburg! You will be met by a representative directly upon landing, and transferred to your 5* hotel in the city center. Relax after the flight or take a walk nearby to explore the cosy streets on your own.
Day 2: St Petersburg
After check-out from the hotel, we enjoy a city center tour by bus, including Peter and Paul Fortress, the burial place of the Romanov monarchs, Nevsky Prospect, with its endless fine shops, cafes, and museums, St.Isaak’s Cathedral, and Smolny Cathedral.
Lunch is followed by a tour of the richest art collection of the Hermitage Museum, before boarding your 5-star floating hotel, the Mustai Karim. After a brief check-in, you’ll meet the ship’s crew at a delightful cocktail reception – a relaxing way to begin your adventure after a day’s travel.
Day 3: St Petersburg
A truly unique experience awaits as you pass under the drawn bridges and navigate the canals of St. Petersburg – a privilege exclusive to the guests on this cruise.
After lunch, we travel to the magnificent Peterhof Palace, where the ‘Russian Versailles’ sparkles with golden fountains.
Day 4: Valaam
Today we depart early for the Valaam Archipelago, a group of 50 islands in the north of Lake Lagoda, the largest lake in Europe. We’ll spend the rest of the day exploring inside the walls of the Central Monastery Complex, dominated by the majestic Cathedral of the Transfiguration. Get acquainted with one of the most scared Orthodox sites in Russia and the site of numerous clashes between the Russians and Swedes in their struggle for power during the 16th century.
Day 5: Mandrogi
Experience a taste of Russia’s traditional heritage in Mandrogi: a unique village built upon a history of craftsmanship. Visit a traditional Russian village with typical wooden houses, numerous crafts exhibitions. Learn about wood painting, intricate beadwork and weaving, blacksmithing, pottery and more. Then, you’ll be treated to a traditional midday Russian picnic (BBQ) – and even have the option to take a trip to a real Russian bathhouse (banya).
Day 6: Kizhi
Prepare to be amazed at the unique beauty of Kizhi Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the ornate Church of the Transfiguration, with 22 domes built entirely from wood with no single nail. Enjoy a concert “Music of Northern Village” in a beautiful setting.
Day 7: Goritsy
A tiny Russian community with a unique medieval atmosphere, Goritsy reveals a storied past within the famous Ferapontov Monastery. Marvel at paintings over 500 years old, and delve into the lives of the royals who lived there.
Day 8: Uglich
Today you’ll arrive in Uglich, an ancient town filled with brightly coloured architecture. Its Kremlin and the Church of St. Dmitry are particularly famous – the church’s fascinating history is tied to the life and death of Ivan the Terrible’s son. In the afternoon, relax as the sounds of Kovcheg Choir wash over you, then spend a special moment of time in a local family home.
Day 9: Moscow
Today we reach our final destination - Moscow, the glorious capital of Russia. After you disembark from Mustai Kariml, you will be transferred to your centrally located 5* hotel.
Enjoy free time for self-discovery before dinner with your fellow travellers in one of the most popular restaurants.
Day 10: Moscow
Discover Moscow’s sights through the eyes of a local: the Kremlin with its iconic red-built walls; Red Square, home to the dazzling domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Zaryadye Park with its impossible floating bridge.
Day 11: Moscow
After breakfast, a comfortable transfer awaits you to take you directly to the airport for your flight back home or to your next destination.
Included
5* luxury river cruise ship accommodation
5* hotel accommodation in St Petersburg and Moscow
Full board catering (three meals per day) while onboard the cruise ship, several meals while in Moscow and St Petersburg
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
Arrival and departure airport transfers
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
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Availability | Price | Single sup. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 7 - Sep 17, 2022 (M to SPB) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | US $4,750 | US $3,780 |
| Sep 16 - Sep 26, 2022 (SPB to M) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | US $4,750 | US $3,780 |
| Sep 23 - Oct 3, 2022 (M to SPB) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | US $4,750 | US $3,780 |
| Oct 2 - Oct 12, 2022 (SPB to M) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | US $4,050 | US $3,780 |
| Oct 9 - Oct 19, 2022 (M to SPB) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | US $4,050 | US $3,780 |
| Oct 18 - Oct 28, 2022 (SPB to M) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | US $4,050 | US $3,780 |
If you have any urgent questions or enquiries, please give us a call +61 412 587 785