Volga river: Russian countryside voyage
Duration8days
Price fromAUD $3,878 ?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 yearSummer
Sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg, this unique experience includes an array of cultural riches and awe-inspiring natural phenomena, bookended by the country’s most iconic cities and small towns. The Russian Countryside cruise offers a perfect combination of vibrant cities and peaceful provinces, so the guests who start this exciting voyage can be sure that they will see several faces of Russia, which combines the enchantment of glorious past and perspectives of promising future.
On the Svir River absorb the picturesque Russian countryside and cruise towards the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second-largest lake. Cruise the ethereal White Lake and along the Volga-Baltic Waterway that connects the Baltic and Caspian seas.
Arrival
St Petersburg / Moscow
Departure
Moscow / St Petersburg
Accomodation
5* M/S Mustai Karim
Trip style
River Cruise
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Action rating?
Group size
up to 329 passengers
Type of tour
Guaranteed
Itinerary
Day 1 St Petersburg
Welcome to Russia! On arrival to St Petersburg, you will be met by a representative directly upon landing, and transferred to your 5* floating hotel - Mustai Karim. You will spend the evening getting to know your fellow travelers, sharing an exquisite dinner, which is served for you in the restaurant on the main deck.
Day 2 St Petersburg
A truly unique experience awaits: at night, you’ll pass under the drawn bridges of St. Petersburg. Wake up to an exciting bus tour of the Northern capital – take in the glorious architecture, glittering canals, and luxurious palaces. We will drive along Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s grand old main street, see the Kazan Cathedral and other gems of the city. Be amazed by the iconic St. Isaac's Cathedral - the second tallest Orthodox church in the world, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, which stands on the spot where Russia's great emperor Alexander II was mortally wounded.
After lunch, we enjoy a tour of Peterhof - the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once an opulent summer resort of the Romanovs, today Peterhof is a huge open-air museum and a testament to Peter the Great’s contribution to the city’s development. Peter's daughter, Empress Elizabeth, who ordered the expansion of the Grand Palace, greatly extended the park and the famous system of fountains, including the truly spectacular Grand Cascade. Representing nearly two centuries of European aristocratic fashion executed to the highest standards, Peterhof is like an encyclopedia of park design through the age of empire. Being amazed by Tsarist Russia, its power and infinite beauty.
Day 3 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, where for centuries truly unique examples of Russian church architecture have been preserved, represented 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 4 Mandrogi
Located in a thick forest on the Svir River, famous for its towering, onion-top churches — Mandrogi was bombed out of existence by the Germans in World War II. The war left it a burnt ruin, but after the Soviet Union fell, a group of Russian investors bought the land and invited the best of the region’s woodworkers to use their creativity and traditional skills to restore the town to its former glory.
Here, you will have an opportunity to enjoy the peaceful scenery and picturesque landscape. Visit a traditional Russian village with typical wooden houses, numerous crafts exhibitions. Today’s lunch is outdoor BBQ, where you have a chance to savor Russian shashlik (kebab).
Day 5 Kizhi
Today, you’ll then spend several hours exploring Kizhi Pogost, aka the Kizhi Open Air Museum of Wooden Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990. Considered one of the greatest cultural attractions in Russia, Kizhi consists of around 80 structures from the 17th to the 19th centuries, all of which have been crafted entirely out of wood.
Among Kizhi’s many treasures is the Transfiguration Church, an architectural masterpiece featuring five tiers of 22 intricately decorated wooden domes, built in 1714 without using a single nail. The building has withstood the elements for over 150 years. You’ll then be taken to another side of Kizhi Island, where you’ll see some of the Kizhi Museum’s restoration work in action, and learn some of the secrets of traditional Russian wooden architecture.
Day 6 Goritsy
A tiny river 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.
Here you are in the heart of Russia, in the Russian countryside with its small wooden houses surrounded by their beautiful gardens. From the ship, you can see the Resurrection Monastery, located on the river bank, which dates from the sixteen century. Almost derelict, it comes back to life, due to the devotion of strong believers.
Day 7 Uglich
Today you’ll arrive in Uglich, an ancient town filled with brightly colored 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 8 Moscow
After a relaxing breakfast onboard, you’ll disembark from the Mustai Karim. We hope you’ve had a wonderful journey on board with us, and we hope to see you again soon!
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Inclusions
5* luxury river cruise ship accommodation
Full board catering (three meals per day) while onboard the cruise ship
Arrival and departure airport transfers
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
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 09 – Sep 16, 2022 (M to SPB) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | AU $4,725 | AU $2,734 | Reserve |
| Sep 17 – Sep 24, 2022 (SPB to M) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | AU $4,725 | AU $2,734 | Reserve |
| Sep 25 – Oct 2, 2022 (M to SPB) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | AU $4,725 | AU $2,734 | Reserve |
| Oct 03 – Oct 10, 2022 (SPB to M) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | AU $3,878 | AU $2,734 | Reserve |
| Oct 11 – Oct 18, 2022 (M to SPB) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | AU $3,878 | AU $2,734 | Reserve |
| Oct 19 – Oct 26, 2022 (SPB to M) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | AU $3,878 | AU $2,734 | Reserve |
Volga river: Russian countryside voyage
8 days / 7 nights
* price is per person, based on the twin/double accommodation in the cheapest cabin. See full rates for all cabins in the detailed itinerary.
Make an enquiry Detailed Itinerary
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River cruise | M/S Mustai Karim | From St Petersburg to Moscow or vice versaSailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg, though the Russian countryside. Experience includes an array of cultural riches and awe-inspiring natural phenomena, bookended by the ...
Volga river: Russian countryside voyage
8 days / 7 nights
* price is per person, based on the twin/double accommodation in the cheapest cabin. See full rates for all cabins in the detailed itinerary.
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: Russian countryside voyage
Days 8
From AUD $3,878
Trip Style River Cruise
Time of year Summer
Day 1: St Petersburg
Welcome to Russia! On arrival to St Petersburg, you will be met by a representative directly upon landing, and transferred to your 5* floating hotel - Mustai Karim. You will spend the evening getting to know your fellow travelers, sharing an exquisite dinner, which is served for you in the restaurant on the main deck.
Day 2: St Petersburg
A truly unique experience awaits: at night, you’ll pass under the drawn bridges of St. Petersburg. Wake up to an exciting bus tour of the Northern capital – take in the glorious architecture, glittering canals, and luxurious palaces. We will drive along Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s grand old main street, see the Kazan Cathedral and other gems of the city. Be amazed by the iconic St. Isaac's Cathedral - the second tallest Orthodox church in the world, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, which stands on the spot where Russia's great emperor Alexander II was mortally wounded.
After lunch, we enjoy a tour of Peterhof - the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once an opulent summer resort of the Romanovs, today Peterhof is a huge open-air museum and a testament to Peter the Great’s contribution to the city’s development. Peter's daughter, Empress Elizabeth, who ordered the expansion of the Grand Palace, greatly extended the park and the famous system of fountains, including the truly spectacular Grand Cascade. Representing nearly two centuries of European aristocratic fashion executed to the highest standards, Peterhof is like an encyclopedia of park design through the age of empire. Being amazed by Tsarist Russia, its power and infinite beauty.
Day 3: 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, where for centuries truly unique examples of Russian church architecture have been preserved, represented 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 4: Mandrogi
Located in a thick forest on the Svir River, famous for its towering, onion-top churches — Mandrogi was bombed out of existence by the Germans in World War II. The war left it a burnt ruin, but after the Soviet Union fell, a group of Russian investors bought the land and invited the best of the region’s woodworkers to use their creativity and traditional skills to restore the town to its former glory.
Here, you will have an opportunity to enjoy the peaceful scenery and picturesque landscape. Visit a traditional Russian village with typical wooden houses, numerous crafts exhibitions. Today’s lunch is outdoor BBQ, where you have a chance to savor Russian shashlik (kebab).
Day 5: Kizhi
Today, you’ll then spend several hours exploring Kizhi Pogost, aka the Kizhi Open Air Museum of Wooden Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990. Considered one of the greatest cultural attractions in Russia, Kizhi consists of around 80 structures from the 17th to the 19th centuries, all of which have been crafted entirely out of wood.
Among Kizhi’s many treasures is the Transfiguration Church, an architectural masterpiece featuring five tiers of 22 intricately decorated wooden domes, built in 1714 without using a single nail. The building has withstood the elements for over 150 years. You’ll then be taken to another side of Kizhi Island, where you’ll see some of the Kizhi Museum’s restoration work in action, and learn some of the secrets of traditional Russian wooden architecture.
Day 6: Goritsy
A tiny river 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.
Here you are in the heart of Russia, in the Russian countryside with its small wooden houses surrounded by their beautiful gardens. From the ship, you can see the Resurrection Monastery, located on the river bank, which dates from the sixteen century. Almost derelict, it comes back to life, due to the devotion of strong believers.
Day 7: Uglich
Today you’ll arrive in Uglich, an ancient town filled with brightly colored 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 8: Moscow
After a relaxing breakfast onboard, you’ll disembark from the Mustai Karim. We hope you’ve had a wonderful journey on board with us, and we hope to see you again soon!
Included
5* luxury river cruise ship accommodation
Full board catering (three meals per day) while onboard the cruise ship
Arrival and departure airport transfers
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
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 09 – Sep 16, 2022 (M to SPB) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | AU $4,725 | AU $2,734 |
| Sep 17 – Sep 24, 2022 (SPB to M) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | AU $4,725 | AU $2,734 |
| Sep 25 – Oct 2, 2022 (M to SPB) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | AU $4,725 | AU $2,734 |
| Oct 03 – Oct 10, 2022 (SPB to M) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | AU $3,878 | AU $2,734 |
| Oct 11 – Oct 18, 2022 (M to SPB) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | AU $3,878 | AU $2,734 |
| Oct 19 – Oct 26, 2022 (SPB to M) Guaranteed Departures |
Available | AU $3,878 | AU $2,734 |
If you have any urgent questions or enquiries, please give us a call +61 412 587 785
