Volga River Cruise: Tsars Waterways of Russia
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.
Volga River Cruise - Russian Odyssey
This Volga River Cruise will introduce you to the rich cultural side of Russia, its architecture and history on a luxurious odyssey from Astrakhan to St Petersburg. Navigating the longest river in Europe, you’ll experience local traditions, get the vibe of the historic townships, and enjoy the great views of Russia’s rural countryside.
Be ready to re-evaluate your knowledge of Russia, its culture and history, as you will meet local people and see their habitual lifestyle, explore traditional crafts and try the most delicious dishes of Russian cuisine, listen to the best pieces of Russian classical music, attend interesting lectures by experienced professors and learn some useful phrases in Russian – we guarantee you will find amusement to your liking!
Russian Odyssey – Volga River Cruise Highlights:
- Tick everyone’s bucket list while visiting Moscow’s main attractions: Red square, St.Basil’s Cathedral and the mighty Kremlin.
- Be enchanted by the ancient towns of the Golden Ring of Russia and watch the slow transition of churches into mosques as you move into the Tatarstan Republic.
Moscow & St Petersburg Winter Escapade
Arriving in Moscow and St Petersburg during winter has been likened to stepping into a novel – a land of exotic fur hats and snow-dusted cathedral domes. This tour will take place between December 29 and 5 January to include an unforgettable New Year’s Eve in Moscow, one of the most exciting cities in the world to celebrate with the locals and “party like a Russian!” Or you can choose any other dates.
While in Moscow you’ll discover some of the city’s most iconic attractions and lesser-known gems, including a guided tour of the Kremlin and a day excursion to the opulent royal estate of Kolomenskoye.
Next, we’ll travel by high-speed train to St Petersburg to experience the romance of one of the world’s most beautiful cities in dazzling white winter dress. Delve into the treasures of the Hermitage Museum (without the summer crowds!) and enjoy a traditional troika sleigh ride in Pavlovsk Park.
Northern Lights in Russia - Railway Adventure to the Arctic Circle
We invite you to enjoy a Russian New Years holiday and experience the magic of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Petrozavodsk and Vologda. Truly, an unusual and colorful journey, like the elusive Northern Lights themselves! The New Year is celebrated at the festive dinner with a colorful show program in the beautifully decorated hotel restaurant.
Trans-Siberian Odyssey Across Russia
The Trans-Siberian Odyssey is a journey of discovery. Russia is a mysterious country and many have tried to understand it, but even Lev Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoyevsky wrote about the Russian restless soul, torn between Oriental traditions and Western civilization. To understand Russia, one should get on a train and cross it from West to East.
The Trans-Siberian Railway is a perfect adventure — Being one of the most famous railways in the world — the path to the heart of Russia. Thousands of kilometres from the shores of the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean, you will hear the beating of the iron heart, what it is silent about, what it is inspired by.
Just trust in the road and the country will reveal its unexpected sides. You will see Russia in all its historical greatness, in the mixture of cultures and fortunes, in the architectural splendour and extravagance, diverse and united, unifying different people and religions.
Trans-Siberian Odyssey tour highlights:
- Spend a couple of days in Moscow – one of the most vibrant and beautiful cities in Europe.
- Kazan: Our first stop will be the city on the Volga River known as the “third capital” of Russia. On a tour of Kazan, you’ll discover its intriguing Islamic influence and enjoy a Tartar folk performance with tastings of the local cuisine
Tsars Gold - A Trans-Siberian Railway Adventure
Embark on the Tsars Gold, an adventure along the Trans-Siberian Railway, one of the world’s most fascinating train routes. This grand train journey from Beijing to Moscow (or vice versa) via Mongolia and Lake Baikal is your chance to fulfil the dream of a lifetime. An exciting onboard program complements a comprehensive excursion and sightseeing package to make your journey across Russia truly memorable and immersive.
Discover highlights of three fascinating countries (Russia, China and Mongolia), its people, culture and cuisine. Lean back and enjoy dramatic changes of scenery and savour a choice of Europe’s and Asia’s most superb and splendid landscapes.
Tsars Gold Trans-Siberian adventure highlights:
- A colourful festival of games in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park modelled after Mongolia’s National Naadam (National Games)
- Exhibitions of horseback riding, archery and wrestling
Moscow and St Petersburg in Style
Russia’s story is evolving at a rapid pace, and nowhere is this intermingling of the ancient and the avant-garde more apparent than in its two largest metropolises, Moscow and St Petersburg. This carefully crafted Moscow and St Petersburg Tour itinerary tells the tale of two cities – Moscow, the source of Eastern political, economic and spiritual influence, and St Petersburg – Russia’s cultural epicentre and window to Western Europe.
During this fabulous 9 day Moscow and St Petersburg tour, you’ll stay in some of the country’s most stylish, centrally located urban hotels. Discover Moscow and St Petersburg plus a portion of the historical Golden Ring route by plush private transport. Travel business class on the high speed Sapsan train between Moscow and St Petersburg and spoil yourself even more with a choice of optional activities including a sublime night out at the opera or ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre, a luxurious Moscow dinner cruise and an evening of classical music at one of St Petersburg’s beautiful palaces turned concert halls.
Moscow and St Petersburg in Style Tour Highlights:
- Enjoy a very special evening at White Rabbit, heralded as one of Restaurant Magazine’s top restaurants in the world. White Rabbit combines a whimsical Alice in Wonderland theme with elegant service, creative takes on Russian cuisine and a domed glass roof providing breathtaking views of the city
- Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest metropolises on a guided walking tour of Moscow, including the Red Square, the Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral
Highlights of Moscow & St Petersburg
On this unique 7-day Moscow to St Petersburg tour, you’ll immerse yourself in the art, history and culture of Russia and explore the contrasting styles of her old and new capitals – the majestic cities of Moscow and St Petersburg. Your tour begins in Moscow, the mega-metropolis whose blend of Imperial decadence, Soviet austerity and vibrant contemporary energy is sure to entertain and enthral.
Moscow and St Petersburg Tour Highlights:
- Panoramic Tour of Moscow: See Moscow beyond the postcard images on a private excursion by car through the city streets including a drive along the banks of the Moskva River. Visit the famous Bolshoi Theatre, pass by Gorky Park and the Novodevichy Convent and admire the city from on high at the Sparrow Hill observation platform.
- Moscow Guided Walking Tour: Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest metropolises and discover local haunts on foot, including the Red Square, the Kremlin and the multi-coloured domes of St Basil’s Cathedral.
Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape
This short Moscow tour will give you a true taste of the history, culture and incomparable urban vibe that define one of the world’s largest metropolises. In just three days, this Moscow itinerary takes in all the most iconic sights of this attraction-packed destination. After two and half days getting acquainted with the city, we’ve set time aside for you to explore Moscow your way and discover your own favourite hang-outs in a city overflowing with hidden treasures
3-Day Moscow Tour Highlights:
- Panoramic Tour of Moscow: See Moscow beyond the postcard images on a private excursion by car through the city streets including a drive along the banks of the Moskva River. Visit the famous Bolshoi Theatre, pass by Gorky Park and the Novodevichy Convent, and admire the city from on high at the Sparrow Hill observation platform.
- Moscow Historical City Centre Guided Walking Tour: Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest metropolises and discover local haunts on foot, including the Red Square, the Kremlin and the multi-coloured domes of St Basil’s Cathedral.
- Armory Chamber tour: Explore the endless treasures of this unique museum, displaying the wealth accumulated by Russian rulers from the 12th century until the October Revolution of 1917. Walking through the exhibition halls is a journey through the centuries.
Moscow, St Petersburg and Golden Ring Rendezvous
Embark on an endlessly enthralling exploration of the places that shaped Russia’s history on this 11-day tour of Moscow, St Petersburg and the Golden Ring. From the reign of the Tsars to the iron grip of the USSR to the people and projects ushering in a new era of cultural expression and innovation, you’ll gain a deeper insight into Russia’s ancient heritage and a fascinating glimpse into its future.
Moscow, St Petersburg and Golden Ring tour highlights:
- Moscow City Walking Tour: Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest metropolises on a guided tour of Moscow on foot, taking in the Red Square, the Kremlin, the fantastical St Basil’s Cathedral and more
- Moscow Metro Tour: go deep underground on a subway tour of the famous metro system, a Soviet innovation renowned for its palatial, lavishly decorated stations
Imperial Russia, Classic Trans-Siberian Journey
A bucket list experience, the monumental Trans-Siberian railway weaves it ways through taiga forests, vast grasslands and sun-baked deserts, skirting the edges of shimmering lakes and raging rivers, passing through modern cities and villages seemingly forgotten by time. On this classic 15-day Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian railway journey, you’ll get the chance to see Russia in all its historical greatness – in the mixture of cultures and fortunes, in the extravagant and humble architecture, and in the diversity and unity between different people and religions.
Choose to begin your journey in Moscow, the mighty capital of Russia, or take the westbound route from Beijing, China. Along the way, we’ll enjoy several fascinating stops including Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Lake Baikal and Ulaan-Baatar, Mongolia – each destination concealing its own secret treasures and unique cultural discoveries.
Trans-Siberian Railway tour highlights:
- Kazan: Our first stop will be the city on the Volga River known as the “third capital” of Russia. On a tour of Kazan, you’ll discover its intriguing Islamic influence and enjoy a Tartar folk performance with tastings of the local cuisine
- Yekaterinburg is a modern city steeped in history and mythology. Our guided excursion will include the Church upon the Blood, dedicated to the last days of the Romanovs, and the monastery and temples considered to be the pearls of Russian religious architecture
Grand Volga River Cruise from Moscow to Astrakhan
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
Northern Lights in Russia: Arctic Winter Magic
Russian winter turns cities a dazzlingly photogenic white, and reveal the true beauty of the Kola Peninsula, whose Arctic skies are often graced with the mythical Aurora Borealis.
Russian winters are harsh yet extraordinarily beautiful, and it’s the lands above the Arctic Circle where winter’s transformational effects are most keenly felt. The Kola Peninsula is home to people and animals who not only survive but thrive despite the chilling temperatures. Ending in the ‘capital’ of the Arctic Circle, Murmansk, this Northern Lights tour shows you two sides to life in the Russian Winter, from the grandiose cities of Moscow and St Petersburg to the polar landscapes of the remote Kola Peninsula.
Northern Lights in Russia tour highlights:
- Moscow City Tour: Begin your journey in Russia’s mighty capital discovering Moscow’s highlights. Start with a guided exploration of the Kremlin in its finest winter decorations, before heading underground to discover the famous Moscow Metro system and its lavishly decorated subterranean stations
- Armed with the knowledge of an expert guide, uncover some of the most esteemed treasures among the 3 million works of art in St Petersburg’s State Hermitage Museum
Golden Eagle, Luxury Trans-Siberian Express
The world’s greatest railway journey, the Trans-Siberian Railway runs like a steel ribbon across Russia, connecting Moscow to the East over the Urals, the forested mountain range separating Europe from Asia. Skirting alongside the shore of the world’s largest freshwater lake, the rail line then crosses the Mongolian border into a land of baking deserts, majestic steppe country and vast grasslands where columns of smoke still rise from the nomad camps of the last of the Mongol horsemen.
To travel along this route is by far the best way to experience the vastness and grandeur of Russia’s rarely visited interior. This private 15 day Trans-Siberian Railway tour spans the entire 9,288km length of the world’s longest rail line, with a total of 12 days aboard the luxurious Golden Eagle, beginning in Moscow and ending in the Russian port city of Vladivostok, close to the Chinese and North Korean borders.
Trans-Siberian Railway tour highlights:
- Moscow City Tour: Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest metropolises on a guided exploration of Moscow, taking in the Red Square, the Kremlin, St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Tomb and the world-famous Moscow Metro tour
- Kazan is the epicentre of ethnic Tartar culture. Discover the city’s mediaeval Islamic influence, tour the grounds of the picture-perfect Kazan Kremlin and enjoy a private concert of the music of Feodor Chaliapin, Kazan’s most famous opera singer
Arctic Rail Explorer - Quest for Northern Lights
Experience a train journey unlike any other. An adventure on rails to the top of the world, the lands above the Arctic Circle where the mythical Aurora Borealis performs her breathtaking celestial dance in the velvet black Polar night sky. This compelling 12-day Northern Lights Train Tour showcases the unique contrast between two of Russia’s most majestic cities and the isolated yet charming communities deep within the Russian and Norwegian Arctic Circle. Commencing in St. Petersburg or Moscow, we visit some of the city’s most prominent historical and cultural sites, before embarking on this remarkable Arctic railway adventure in search of the elusive Aurora Borealis.
Northern Lights – Arctic Rail Explorer Tour Highlights:
- Admire the architectural splendour of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities on a guided two-day tour of St Petersburg that includes St Isaac’s Cathedral and the Hermitage, as well as a trip to Pushkin to visit the extravagant Catherine Palace
- In the extreme north of Norway, above the Arctic Circle lies Kirkenes, a tiny frontier town near the Russian border. Ride a snowmobile across the frozen fjords outside town and try your hand at fishing for the Arctic’s most prized seafood, the king crab
Naadam Festival - Trans Mongolian Express
One of the most celebrated events on the Mongolian calendar, Naadam Festival is the Mongol version of the Olympic Games and a source of deep national pride. Railway cruising on the Trans-Siberian Railway from Mongolia to Russia (or vice versa) is a fantastic way to absorb the rich culture of the Naadam Festival and the cinematic landscape of both countries. Our exclusive Trans-Mongolian Express tour through Russia and Central Asia combines first-class customer service and a romantic room with a constantly changing view from the Mongolian steppes to the Siberian taiga. On a private trip travelling aboard the luxurious Golden Eagle train, we’ll make numerous stops along the route, providing a memorable exploration of the cultures, customs and cuisine of each unique region we visit.
Trans-Mongolian Express and Nadaam Festival tour highlights:
- Nadaam Festival: For three days, Mongolians don traditional dress and celebrate games and sports derived from Mongolia’s proud warrior tradition. Witness the primal thrill of outdoor wrestling, impossible archery contests and horse racing across the vast Mongolian grasslands
- The Siberian city of Ulan-Ude lies at the crossroads of East and West, harbouring a unique Buryat Buddhist culture. It’s also a stronghold of the last of the Russian Old Believers, who we’ll meet on a village visit to discover the unique history and traditions of these proud, welcoming and deeply religious people
Volga River Cruise and Two Capitals
On this mesmerising and romantic Moscow to St Petersburg river cruise, you’ll take in the sights, sounds and history of Russia’s heartland from the comfort of a stunning 5-star modern cruise vessel. After three days of touring the must-see sights of Moscow, we’ll sail through the Moscow Canal which connects the city to the majestic Volga River, the longest river in Europe. Heading north, you’ll experience the contrast between life in a heaving megacity and the languid pace of the gorgeous Russian countryside. Traversing the Volga with port calls in the timeless townships of Russia’s ancient Golden Ring, our Russian river cruise finishes in the glittering far northern metropolis of St Petersburg, one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Moscow to St Petersburg 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 marvel at the works of the Russian masters at the Tretyakov Gallery
- Uglich: One of the most magnificent towns to behold from the Volga, with its brightly painted Kremlin standing proudly along the waters’ edge, Uglich is home to the Church of St Dmitry, where the last heir of Ivan the Terrible met his mysterious demise
Classic Moscow - Art, History and Culture
Travellers who visit Moscow for the first time often find the city tantalising overwhelming. After all, this 860-year-old metropolis is the largest in Europe, and undoubtedly one of the most exciting. Moscow’s sheer size and huge population can cause a state of sensory overload, while its sprawling history, complex political roots, and dynamic cultural life are a lot for the casual visitor to take in.
In just five days, our Classic Moscow tour will allow you to gain unprecedented insight into the nature of this great city and its people. Discover Moscow’s most monumental landmarks and delve into the stories of power and intrigue behind its incredible architecture and historic sites.
5-day Moscow tour highlights:
- See Moscow beyond the postcard images on a private drive-by tour of the city including a panoramic trip beside the banks of the Moskva River. Visit the famous Bolshoi Theatre, pass by Gorky Park and the Novodevichy Convent and admire the city from on high at the Sparrow Hill observation platform.
- Tour the grounds of the immense Kremlin complex and feast your eyes on the priceless treasures of the Armoury Museum
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About 56th Parallel
56th Parallel is a travel company specialising in providing packaged tours and travel services in Russia.
Our goal is to redefine travel to Russia, focusing on creating the most rewarding experiences, which help travellers unfolds the soul of this exciting destination.
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