We are proud to introduce our popular Volga River sailings between the two major cities of Russia, St. Petersburg and Moscow. Explore Russia’s two great cities from the comfort and security of a specially adapted river cruiser and sail between them along a network of canals, rivers and lakes. Enjoy a program of cultural events on board ship as well as a full range of shore excursions, including visits to Red Square, the Kremlin, the fairytale island of Kizhi, the Czars’ Winter Palace and many more. The ideal way to discover Russia.
Built in Germany in the late eighties, the m/s Kronstadt underwent continuous renovations, the latest being in 2005 when new carpeting and furniture throughout was added. Today, this lovely first class vessel features comfortable outside facing cabins with big picture windows, private bathrooms with showers, refrigerators, radio, and air control, plus 18 single cabins and 6 two room Presidential Suites. Her public areas include a one seat restaurant, an evening lounge with live entertainment, a cozy piano bar, a quaint pub like bar, an air conditioned concert hall, office and ambulance with a doctor on board. Her greatest attribute is the ambiance on board which is lively with activities overseen by a superb team of cruise directors, complemented by a young and enthusiastic crew that will ensure you have a trip of a lifetime!
On Board and Ashore
While on board, there is a continuous program of entertainment, including music and dance provided by some of Russia and the Ukraine’s most famous entertainers; special concerts and events on an optional basis; culinary afternoons - the ‘Blinis Caviar and Champagne Party’ is not to be missed - and visits to out of the way places. An English speaking guide is on hand throughout your river cruise to advise and assist you at all times.
Sights & Stops:
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great and was the capital of the Russian Empire until 1918. Affectionately called the “Venice of the North,” St. Petersburg was built on 42 islands linked by 65 rivers and canals. Because of its picturesque setting and impressive architecture, St. Petersburg is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The city’s main sites are Nevsky Prospekt, Kazan Cathedral, the Admiralty. Palace Square, Peter and Paul Fortress (burial site of the Romanovs), and St. Isaac’s Cathedral. The highlight of any stay in St. Petersburg is a visit to the Hermitage Museum. Located in the former Winter Palace of the czars, the Hermitage possesses the richest collection of art treasures in the world.
Green Station Stops
Russian Waterways are not just cities, churches and museums. On our cruises we include such rural stops as Mondraga, Goritza and Svirstoj, each different and unique, as a way to experience the beautiful countryside. Here you will have a chance to stretch your legs, wander through a village, breathe the fresh air, or take part in the organized activities, such as our famous shashlik barbecues!
Kizhi
One of the 1,650 islands located on Lake Onega, Kizhi is reminiscent of a fairy tale. The structures found on the island are superb examples of traditional Russian wooden architecture. The most spectacular is the Church of the Transfiguration. Made entirely of wood, it was constructed without a single nail.
Yaroslavl
Yaroslavl was founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslavl the Wise on the banks of theVolga River. Due to its prime location fortrade and commerce, the city prospered from the 13th to the 17th centuries. The historic main square is graced by theGovernor’s Palace and the Church of Elijahthe Prophet.
Uglich
The town of Uglich is closely linked to the darker side of Russian history. Crown Prince Dmitri, the youngest son of "Ivan the Terrible" was murdered here. This event brought Boris Godunov to the Russian throne and turmoil to the country. The Church of St. Demitrius on the Blood was built on the site of this tragic event.
Moscow
Founded in 1147 by Yuri Dolgoruky, Moscow is one of the world’s most important cities. Red Square, with the enchanting, onion-domed St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin and the world famous Armory Museum are well known attractions. The Kremlin grounds are adorned with such monuments as the Tzar Cannon and the 200 ton Tzar Bell, both of which are the largest in the world. Aside from being the seat of the Russian government, the Kremlin was also the center of the Russian Orthodox Church. Surrounding Cathedral Square are four impressive and important churches, including the Cathedral of theArchangel, the burial site of Ivan the Terrible.
Itinerary: St. Petersburg to Moscow
Day 1: St. Petersburg
Board the M/S Kronstadt. Dinner on board.
Day 2: St. Petersburg
Three and a half hour sightseeing tour of the ‘Venice of the North’ (includes Nevski Prospect, Kazaan's Assembly Church, the Royal Square, Smolny Monastery, St Isaac’s Cathedral and the Peter and Paul fortress, etc, etc.) After lunch (possibly packed to save time), visit the famous Hermitage Museum – the world’s largest. Optional evening ballet performance.
Day 3: St. Petersburg
Day at leisure or optional full day visit to Peterhof and Pushkin, the Tzars summer palaces. Dinner on board. Set sail at 8:00 pm.
Day 4: Mondraga
Now underway on this 1140 mile cruise via the Neva river: Lake Lodoga: Svir River: Lake Onega: The Volgabaltic canal: The white lake: Vitrega: Kavdga:Seksna: The Volga rivers and finally the Moscow Volga Canal. Shashlik barbeque picnic lunch and visit to the Vodka Museum in Mondraga before continuing to Kizhi. Evening classical music concert in the salon.
Day 5: Kizhi
Morning spent at the tiny fairytale island of Kizhi on Lake Onega (Europe’s second largest); the open-air museum of architecture contains examples from various regions of Russia and the Transfiguration Church is a pure delight, with its 22 domes and erected without a single nail or piece of metal by Nester; explore the island, and lunch on board. Evening folklore concert.
Day 6: Goritza
Afternoon arrival at Goritza, a typical Russian village. Browse around, possibly visit the homes of local farmers! Caviar and champagne tasting onboard.
Day 7: Yaroslavl
Yaroslavl is an important port along both banks of the Volga, founded in the 11th century by Prince Yaroslavl the Wise. Sightseeing will include many of the splendid monuments, as the St Elija the Prophet church in the central square with its famous fresco paintings Choir concert of Russian hymns at the Transfiguration Cathedral.
Day 8: Uglich
Despite its name, Uglich is one of Russia’s most loved towns and best viewed from the river; sightseeing will include the Kremlin and the town’s oldest building, the Palace of Tsarevitch Dmitri. The Church of St Demitrius of the Blood, from the 16th century, stands today. Evening Gala Dinner hosted by the Captain.
Day 9: Moscow
Arrive 1:00 pm in Moscow, capital city and located where the trading rivers Moskva and Yauza meet on the central Russian plateau; artisans settled here (on the site of the present Kremlin) long before the first references to ‘Moscow’ appear in the chronicles for 1147. Sightseeing will include the Kremlin and Red Square and lunch may be packed to allow more time for exploring, etc. during the free afternoon. Optional visits to either the Arms Palace (Treasury of the Tzars) or the famous Circus.
Day 10: Moscow
After breakfast, visit the Kremlin grounds and/or a guided tour of the famous Moscow Metro with its extraordinary Mosaic line station thet are almost palaces in there own right. Enjoy a walk down Arbat Street, Moscow's main pedestrian thoroughfare.Dinner and optional excursion of Moscow by night.
Day 11: Moscow
Disembark after breakfast at 9:00 am.
Itinerary: Moscow to St. Petersburg
Day 1: Moscow
Embarkation on the M/S Kronstadt. A welcome cocktail and information meeting will either precede or follow dinner.
Day 2: Moscow
Begin a fascinating introductory tour through Russia’s capital. You will see all of the major attractions such as the Kremlin, St.Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square.The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening we highly recommend the optional performance of the acclaimed Moscow Circus.
Day 3: Moscow
Tour the famous Moscow Metro and the pedestrian street of Old Arbat. Built in the 1930’s the Metro stations in the central part of the city, with their murals, frescoes and hand painted ceilings are true works of art unlike any other in the world. Back on board, enjoy the romantic sunset as you bid Moscow goodbye and sail on to Uglich.
Day 4: Uglich
On arrival enjoy a guided walking tour of Uglich, one of the most beloved towns of old Russia. Visit the Church of St. Demitrius of the Blood and the Palace of Tsarevich Dmitri. Return to the ship for lunch and sail on. Enjoy an afternoon concert of classical music.
Day 5: Yaraslavl
Your tour of the 1000 year old Volga port town of Yaroslavl will include the beautiful Transfiguration Cathedral where you will attend a private choir concert of Russian hymns. Also visited will be the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet with its famous 13th century fresco paintings. Tonight, you will be served a traditional Russian dinner, featuring national specialties served by staff dressed in national costumes and accompanied by live folk music.
Day 6: Goritza
On arrival to Goritza, a typical Russian village along the Volga, visit a home of one of the local folk who will treat you to a taste of homemade pirogi (pastry) and tea. In the afternoon, its time for our “caviar & champagne party” where you will be served traditional Russian “blini” pancakes with red caviar and champagne.
Day 7: Kizhi
Morning free for on board activities. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the tiny fairy-tale island of Kizhi, located on the northern end of Lake Onega,the second largest in Europe and one of the worlds purest. The tour highlight will be a visit to the Transfiguration Church, erected without a single nail or piece of iron.
Day 8: Mondraga
Morning is at leisure. Around noon you will arrive at the green station of Mondraga. Instead of lunch on board, enjoy a cooked to order shashlik barbecue picnic riverside, with wine and entertainment. Be sure to explore the village including the unique Vodka Museum featuring over 250 varieties of Russia’s national drink! Sail on in the afternoon and prepare for your Farewell Captain’s Gala Dinner.
Day 9: St. Petersburg
Today you arrive in St. Petersburg, which celebrated its 300th birthday in 2003! Your guided tour will include highlights such as the Nevski Prospect, Kazan’s Assembly Church, the Admiralty Building, the Royal Square, the Smolny Monastery, St.Isaac’s Church, St.Peter-Paul’s Fortress and many more. After a break for lunch (lunch packs provided), visit the world famous Hermitage Museum, featuring more than three million exhibits, including works by famous artists such as DaVinci, Rembrandt, Titian, Michelangelo and Monet. Dinner is served on board. In the evening, attend an optional ballet performance by some of the leading ballet dancers of the Kirov Theater.
Day 10: St. Petersburg
A full free day to shop, stroll and explore this magnificent city on your own. Or, purchase the optional full day Palace Tour and see one of the fabulous Winter Palaces in Pushkin (Catherines or Pavlovsk) combined with the unique fountains and gardens of Peter the Greats’ Summer Palace of Peterhof. In the evening, relax with our onboard band or enjoy an optional Cossak show performed by one of St. Petersburg’s best known ensembles.
Day 11: St. Petersburg
Bid your crew and fellow passengers goodbye as you disembark around 9:00 am
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Different cabins are available. Please inquire for price information.
Price Includes:
- Tour Escort
- Sightseeing Per Itinerary
- Conferences and Shipboard Entertainment
- Accommodations in Select Cabin Category
- Three Meals Daily Shipboard
- Luggage Handling
- Excursions & Entrances Per Itinerary
- English Speaking Guides for Day Tours
Price Does Not Include:
- Optional Excursions
- Visa To Russia
- Port Charges - $135
- Fuel Surcharge - $35
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Russia
Boating and Sailing
Cultural Journey
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