Waterways of the Tsars

7 day program / 6 night cruise

In Moscow and St. Petersburg see the architectural and cultural highlights of these two fascinating cities.

Enjoy the scenery from the observation deck.

Stop in small villages and towns along the way observing daily life.

Included in your cruise:

° Round trip airport transfers between airports and piers, including porterage of one piece of luggage per person

° Accommodation based on selected cabin category with private facilities.

° 3 full meals daily beginning with dinner on the day of embarkation and ending with breakfast on the day of disembarkation. 

  Meals include complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. 24 hour Tea and coffee station.

° Sightseeing tours in each city during the cruise except for Moscow and St. Petersburg including local English speaking  

  guides.

° Services of English-speaking staff including the Cruise Director while on board.

° Local taxes & service charges on accommodation and meals.

7 DAY TOUR PROGRAM

FROM MOSCOW - ST. PETERSBURG

Day 1 - Moscow

On arrival in Moscow you will be met at the airport and transferred by private car for the transfer to the pier for embarkation on the Volga Dream. Balance of the day is at leisure for you to relax on the ship before enjoying dinner this evening. 

Day 2 - Moscow - Uglich

On arrival enjoy a walking tour of Uglich.  Founded in 1148, Uglich was one of the most beloved towns in Old Russia used by Ivan the Terrible as a base for his campaigns against the Golden Horde. The view of the town as it is approached from the Volga River is especially lovely with the Cathedral of Resurrection and St. John’s Church looming on the horizon. At the end of the 16th century, Maria Nagaya, seventh wife of Ivan the Terrible lived in voluntary exile in the Kremlin at Uglich. It was in her garden that the Tsarevich Dmitry (Ivan’s son) was brutally murdered and the magnificent Church on the Blood built by the city in his memory.  

Day 3 - Uglich - Yaroslavl

Amongst the precious jewels of the old Russian cities, Yaroslavl shines with an unfading light. Stretching for 18 miles on both banks of the Volga, Yaroslavl was founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslavl the Wise. Retaining many monuments to its colorful past, no other city in Russia except Yaroslavl can boast such a wealth of 17th century architecture. Amongst the gems viewed will be the Church of Elijah the Prophet built in 1647-50 featuring frescoes painted in 1680 by renowned local artists. The main sightseeing destination in Yaroslavl is the ensemble of the Monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ. Founded in the 12th century, the monastery is one of the oldest on the Volga.

Day 4 - Yaroslavl - Goritsy

Welcome to the northwest of Russia and the village of Goritsy, home to the Resurrection Convent standing at the shoreline. From Goritsy a bus will take you to the town of Kirillov 89kms. away to tour one of the major Orthodox strongholds of Old Russia, the Monastery of Cyril on the White Lake. Founded in the14th century, the monastery has preserved its remarkable architecture and fascinates the visitors by its majestic churches enclosed within austere walls. The monastery is also famous for its museum of icons, some of them are the oldest in Russia. 

Day 5 - Goritsy - Kizhi Island

Situated to the northeast of Lake Onega, the Island of Kizhi is home to the Open Air Museum of fascinating wooden architecture. Walking on the island you can see old wooden churches, chapels, bell towers, peasant houses, granaries, barns, windmills and bathhouses which were all brought from around the Onega region to illustrate the architecture common to the Russian north. The focal point if the Kizhi Ensemble comprised of the awe inspiring 22 domed Transfiguration Cathedral dating from 1714, the neighbouring Church of Intercession (1774) and the bell tower situated between the two. Another important structure is the modest Chapel of the Resurrection of Lazarus built in 1391. It is the oldest standing wooden church in Russia.  

Day 6 - Kizhi Island - Mandrogi

Inhabited by talented craftsmen, Mandrogi is a reconstructed village built on the banks of the Svir River to illustrate the traditions and lifestyles of Russia’s past. Experience provincial Russian lifestyle as you watch artisans and craftsmen making matryoshkas (Russian nesting dolls), carving wood and sewing.  There is also a Vodka Museum (entrance fees not included) which boats 250 varieties of the national drink.

Day 7 - Mandrogi - St. Petersburg

Your Russian Waterways cruise has now come to an end.  Disembarkation will begin at 09:00 Hrs. after breakfast.

Print Itinerary

See Reverse Itinerary

Your Price Does Not Include:

• Airfare: International airfare is not included.

• Departure taxes & fuel surcharges: Not included.

• Excess baggage charges: Not included.

• Documentation: Passport fees and travel insurance.

• Russian visa fee: $100.00 Canadian per person including handling.

• Meals & beverages: Those not mentioned.

• Optional sightseeing tours: Those not mentioned.

• Gratuities: For individual services.

• Tipping: To cruise director, ship’s crew, local guides and drivers 

MS Volga Dream carries 109 passengers, with a crew of 60. Each cabin is equipped with air conditioning, mini bar, safe deposit box, telephone, satellite television

Onboard Facilities