Volga River Cruise – Russian Odyssey

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Volga River Cruise – Russian Odyssey

Day 1: Astrakhan

Day 2: Astrakhan

Day 3: Sailing day

Take in the majesty of the Volga River as you spend today gently cruising the waterway on this Volga River cruise.

Luxuriate on the Sun Deck with an ever-changing vista of quaint villages, towns and churches. As you leisurely observe the region which thrived for centuries due to the success of trade along the Volga, listen to a guest speaker narrate the history and tradition of each magical site.

Day 4: Volgograd

Volgograd has a rich historical past - from its beginnings as Tsaritsyn and a site of the Russian revolution, through to World War II where it became famously known as Stalingrad.

It is the site of arguably the most decisive military victory for the Russians on the eastern front, where they changed the course of history through their relentless, painstaking and courageous defence of the city.

Some of the fiercest fights took place on Mamayev Hill, and today we will visit a memorial on this site before making our way to the Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Day 5: Saratov

Saratov was once a bustling German community but is now famed for its connection to Yuri Gagarin who lived in the city and became the first man to enter space. On this city tour, you will delight in the treasures of the Radishev State Art Museum which was the primary portrait gallery outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg.

In the evening, enjoy a piano Concert – pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov.

Day 6: Samara

This morning is a fantastic opportunity to view the Zhigulevskie mountains from the Sun Deck as we advance towards the city of Samara. Beginning with a city tour, we will explore the space museum before taking a leisurely walk on the Volga esplanade as we head towards the Samara State Art Museum.

Day 7: Kazan

As you observe the banks of the Volga today, you will begin to notice that elaborate Russian Orthodox Churches are replaced by intricate Muslim mosques - highlighting our advance into the Republic of Tatarstan.

We depart the Volga dream to explore the capital of the region and the epicentre of Tatar culture and tradition, Kazan. Marvel at the white walls of the Kazan Citadel where the Kul-Sherif mosque is juxtaposed against the old Peter and Paul Cathedral.

In the afternoon you will be treated to a local ensemble who will perform traditional Tatar music for you.

Day 8: Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod was once the epicentre of commercial activity, thanks to its influential position on the eastern trade route.

However, today you’ll learn how during the Soviet era it was closed for military exercise and to house political prisoners. You’ll also visit the XVIth- century Kremlin with its ornate churches and breathtaking views.

Tonight, a local children’s group will be delighted to present a traditional folk concert for you.

Day 9: 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 10: Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl is a jewel in the crown of central Russia not only because of its rich historical significance as one of the oldest cities in the region (founded 1010) but because it is an outstanding seat of Russian Architecture.

Some of the highlights you will see today include the Spassky Monastery which encapsulates the Transfiguration of the Saviour and the Church of Elijah the Prophet.

This is a particularly rich example of late Muscovite period architecture and hosts extraordinary displays of intricate mosaics.

This morning you will also be treated to a costumed reception at governor’s house prior to returning to the MS Volga Dream for lunch, as part of your Volga River cruise.

Day 11: Uglich

After continuing to cruise through the idyllic forested countryside, we will anchor at Uglich, which once formed part of an ancient trading route, and is now at the heart of Russia’s famous Golden Ring circuit.

Today you will continue to delight in the history and architecture of the region where you will have the opportunity to visit the Church of St. Dimitri-on-the-Blood.

This church is famous for its connection to the son of Ivan the Terrible, Dmitri, who was murdered on this site in 1591. Once you have marvelled at this impressive church, you will be invited to an enchanting choral performance at St. John’s Church.

Day 12: Moscow

Today marks your chance to become acquainted with the specular sites of Moscow on an orientation tour of the city. You’ll get up close and personal with some of the most spectacular attractions in the city like Red Square, St.Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Tomb.

We will also pass the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour as we drive towards Novodevichi Cemetery - the final resting place of several famous Russian creatives, actors, politicians and scientists.

The tour continues in the spectacular Moscow Metro, famed for its architectural splendour. One of the USSR’s most pioneering projects – the Metro houses designs, statues and elements from Soviet Russia, and is truly akin to stepping back in time. A must-see during your visit to Moscow, and a tourist attraction in itself. Late afternoon check-in at the five-star hotel for two nights.

Day 13: Moscow

Today you will visit the famed Kremlin! During this tour you will experience the Armoury Museum, which houses a varied collection of royal artefacts such as thrones, crowns and coaches. Here you will also be escorted through the 15th century Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals which boast splendid frescoes.

After a delicious lunch in one of our personal favourite restaurants, you will visit the Tretyakov Art Gallery — an extensive museum complex that houses the largest collection of Russian fine art – with examples from medieval icons to 19th Century “Golden Age” masterpieces. The gallery was established in 1856 and is now frequented by over a million visitors per year.

The rest of the day is left open for independent city touring. We recommend that you take a stroll to the new Zaryadye Park - walking distance from the Red Square.

Day 14: Sergiev Posad

After breakfast at the hotel, have your luggage packed for a comfortable and scenic bus transfer to Uglich city, to board MS Volga Dream and continue the cruise.

On the journey, we will take a stop at the charming ancient town of Sergiev Posad to go on a special guided city tour. The excursion is provided by one of the local monks who serve in the famous city monastery. On the tour you will visit the spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church - the Holy Trinity Lavra of St.Sergius and its many architectural wonders, including the majestic Trinity Cathedral and unique Dukhovskaya church. Being protected by UNESCO, the Holy Trinity Lavra of St.Sergius and its cathedrals will impress with their immaculate and carefully preserved decorations and fascinating history.
After completing the tour of Sergiev Posad, we will continue our bus journey to Uglich to board MS Volga Dream. Once onboard, enjoy a delicious dinner as we continue onward to our next destination

Day 15: Yaroslavl

Alternative sightseeing for repeated visitors.

Day 16: Goritsy

Today we will visit the curious settlement of Gortisky, home to the beautiful Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery (1397).

Here you will venture through the monastery on a guided tour, marvelling at one of the most magnificent collections of Russian icons in the world. Once you have savoured the ethereal repertoire of artwork, we will advance towards the brilliant Lake Onega.

Day 17: Kizhi

Karelia is a breathtaking expanse of wilderness that extends from St.Petersburg to the Arctic Circle.

Its unique landscape is characterised by vast forests and beautiful bodies of water, such as Lake Onega, which collects 58 rivers and contains 1369 islands.

The most exciting of all these islands is Kizhi, which is famous for its unique display of handmade, ancient, wooden churches, windmills and houses.

Today, on this Volga River cruise you will visit the masterpiece of this quaint collection - the Transfiguration church, which was constructed without the use of a single nail in 1714.

Day 18: Svirstroy

Dive into traditional Russian culture today when you’re invited into the home of a local villager who will be waiting to greet you with jam tea and pirozhki (traditional pies).

The locals have a rich oral tradition which they are enthusiastic to share with you through stories about their culture and lifestyle. As they open their home and kitchen garden to you, they will entice you with tales about the local attractions of Svirstroy Village.

Once you’ve enjoyed your jam & tea its time to take a bus to tour the village and local primary school and pay our respects at a monumental WWII memorial.

Day 19: St Petersburg

To conclude your memorable Russian experience - after an inclusive breakfast, you will check-out from your cabin, and we will transfer you to the airport - ready for your flight to your next chosen destination.

Included