Volga Dream Russian River Cruise
View Trip Notes
When it comes to river cruises in Russia, the Volga Dream offers an unprecedented level of luxury, as well as the finest accommodation, delicious food, best service and care in the industry. The advent of the boutique Volga Dream reveals the tsarist-era luxury and provides superior service, installing the ship as the class of the waterway. With 60 crewmembers and a capacity for just over 100 passengers, the ship has the lowest passenger-to-crew ratio among Russian river cruise ships. With so few guests amid the ship’s spacious arrangement, it feels like sailing aboard a private yacht. You’ll find no hassle disembarking at the various ports of call, no delays at mealtime.
This cruise can be from St.Petersburg to Moscow or in reverse. It stops at quaint villages, such as the tiny, picturesque island of Kizhy, along the way and gives you plenty of time to explore Russia in detail.
The Volga Dream is a wonderful way to see a beautiful country so rich in history and the culture.
Arrival in Moscow
Exploring Moscow
Visit the Kremlin and then board the Volga Dream
Cruise to Uglich, a Golden Ring city dating back to the 10th century
Stroll in the oldest city on the Volga River, Yaroslavl, a World Heritage site.
Visit the village of Goritsy to tour the fortress-like Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery.
Explore a tiny, picturesque island of Kizhy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Lake Onega.
Navigate the Svir River toward Lake Ladoga, Europe's largest freshwater lake.
Arrive into St.Petersburg
St.Petersburg
Visit Catherine's Palace
Tour ends in St.Petersburg
Countries visited
Places visited
Transportation
MS Volga Dream carries 109 passengers, with a crew of 60. The ship has 56 comfortable cabins and all feature either a window or a porthole and a bathroom with separate glass shower. Each cabin is equipped with air conditioning, mini-bar, safety deposit box, telephone, and flat screen television featuring international satellite programming and films as well as various radio and music channel options.The highlight of this cruise for many travellers spending time on the Volga Dream was getting to meet the crew. They are gracious and talented hosts who really go out of their way to make sure everyone has a wonderful journey.
Included In Price
* 2 Nights at the Marriott Aurora Hotel, Deluxe room in Moscow
* 6 Nights on board luxurious MS Volga Dream,
* 3 Nights at the Kempinski Moika 22, Superior Room in St. Petersburg
* Check-in to the deluxe hotels, carefully selected for their distinctive charm and great city-centre locations in Moscow and St. Petersburg
* Cruise aboard boutique MS Volga Dream and enjoy over 25 hours of Russian Workshop, including lectures, discussions, classes, concerts, films & evening performances
* Visit Kremlin Armory Museum, famous Moscow metro, Tretyakov Gallery, the Hermitage, Peterhof, and the dazzling Catherine's Palace
* Tour with a small group of maximum 25 Volga Dream guests led by highly educated professional guides
* Dine in fine restaurants in Moscow and enjoy full board complemented by excellent wines with lunch and dinner on board MS Volga Dream
Meals Included
This tour includes 27 meals; 11 breakfasts 10 lunches 6 dinners
Not Included In Price
* International flights* Visa to Russia
* All services not mentioned in the program
* Arrival & departure transfers
* Tips and Gratuities
Important Information
This voyage can be upgraded to the Platinum Class, which includes upgraded hotels, cabins, smaller groups on excursions and included activities such as early entrance to the Hermitage and the Ballet/Opera tickets. It is not a drastic increase in price so please ask us for details if you are interested.The lecturers for the journeys have been announced - if designing your trip around these lecturers interests you, please let us know.
| Start | End | Standard | Superior | Deluxe | Suite | Single | |
| 1 Jun 2013 | 12 Jun 2013 | AU$ 3730 | AU$ 4400 | AU$ 4800 | AU$ 5730 | AU$ 5580 | |
| SOLD OUT - Moscow to St.Petersburg | |||||||
| 6 Jun 2013 | 17 Jun 2013 | AU$ 3460 | AU$ 4130 | AU$ 4530 | AU$ 5460 | AU$ 4920 | |
| VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY: St. Petersburg to Moscow | |||||||
| 20 Jun 2013 | 1 Jul 2013 | AU$ 3460 | AU$ 4130 | AU$ 4530 | AU$ 5460 | AU$ 4920 | |
| BOOKED OUT - St. Peterburg to Moscow. | |||||||
| 28 Jun 2013 | 9 Jul 2013 | AU$ 3730 | AU$ 4400 | AU$ 4800 | AU$ 5730 | AU$ 5580 | |
| Moscow to St.Petersburg | |||||||
| 3 Jul 2013 | 14 Jul 2013 | AU$ 3460 | AU$ 4130 | AU$ 4530 | AU$ 5460 | AU$ 4920 | |
| St. Peterburg to Moscow | |||||||
| 11 Jul 2013 | 22 Jul 2013 | AU$ 3730 | AU$ 4400 | AU$ 4800 | AU$ 5730 | AU$ 5580 | |
| Moscow to St.Petersburg | |||||||
| 16 Jul 2013 | 27 Jul 2013 | 2000AU$ 3460 | AU$ 4130 | AU$ 4530 | AU$ 5460 | AU$ 4920 | |
| SOLD OUT - St. Peterburg to Moscow | |||||||
| 10 Aug 2013 | 21 Aug 2013 | AU$ 3730 | AU$ 4400 | AU$ 4800 | AU$ 5730 | AU$ 5580 | |
| Moscow to St.Petersburg | |||||||
| 15 Aug 2013 | 26 Aug 2013 | AU$ 3460 | AU$ 4130 | AU$ 4530 | AU$ 5460 | AU$ 4920 | |
| St. Peterburg to Moscow | |||||||
| 23 Aug 2013 | 3 Sep 2013 | AU$ 3730 | AU$ 4400 | AU$ 4800 | AU$ 5730 | AU$ 5580 | |
| Moscow to St.Petersburg | |||||||
| 7 Sep 2013 | 18 Sep 2013 | AU$ 3730 | AU$ 4400 | AU$ 4800 | AU$ 5730 | AU$ 5580 | |
| Moscow to St.Petersburg | |||||||
| 12 Sep 2013 | 23 Sep 2013 | AU$ 3460 | AU$ 4130 | AU$ 4530 | AU$ 5460 | AU$ 4920 | |
| St. Peterburg to Moscow | |||||||
| 16 May 2014 | 27 May 2014 | AU$ 3500 | AU$ 4200 | AU$ 4850 | AU$ 5600 | AU$ 5060 | |
| St.Petersburg to Moscow. | |||||||
| 24 May 2014 | 4 Jun 2014 | AU$ 3700 | AU$ 4400 | AU$ 5050 | AU$ 5800 | AU$ 5650 | |
| Moscow to St.Petersburg | |||||||
| 29 May 2014 | 9 Jun 2014 | AU$ 3500 | AU$ 4200 | AU$ 4850 | AU$ 5600 | AU$ 5060 | |
| St.Petersburg to Moscow | |||||||
| 6 Jun 2014 | 17 Jun 2014 | AU$ 3700 | AU$ 4400 | AU$ 5050 | AU$ 5800 | AU$ 5650 | |
| Moscow to St.Petersburg | |||||||
| 21 Jun 2014 | 2 Jul 2014 | AU$ 3700 | AU$ 4400 | AU$ 5050 | AU$ 5800 | AU$ | |
| Moscow to St.Petersburg | |||||||
| 26 Jun 2014 | 7 Jul 2014 | AU$ 3500 | AU$ 4200 | AU$ 4850 | AU$ 5600 | AU$ 5060 | |
| St.Petersburg to Moscow | |||||||
| 3 Jul 2014 | 14 Jul 2014 | AU$ 3700 | AU$ 44 2000 00 | AU$ 5050 | AU$ 5800 | AU$ 5650 | |
| Moscow to St.Petersburg | |||||||
| 21 Jul 2014 | 1 Aug 2014 | AU$ 3500 | AU$ 4200 | AU$ 4850 | AU$ 5600 | AU$ 5060 | |
| St.Petersburg to Moscow | |||||||
| 28 Jul 2014 | 8 Aug 2014 | AU$ 3700 | AU$ 4400 | AU$ 5050 | AU$ 5800 | AU$ 5650 | |
| Moscow to St.Petersburg | |||||||
| 2 Aug 2014 | 13 Aug 2014 | AU$ 3500 | AU$ 4200 | AU$ 4850 | AU$ 5600 | AU$ 5060 | |
| St.Petersburg to Moscow | |||||||
| 9 Aug 2014 | 20 Aug 2014 | AU$ 3700 | AU$ 4400 | AU$ 5050 | AU$ 5800 | AU$ 5650 | |
| Moscow to St.Petersburg | |||||||
| 14 Aug 2014 | 25 Aug 2014 | AU$ 3500 | AU$ 4200 | AU$ 4850 | AU$ 5600 | AU$ 5060 | |
| St.Petersburg to Moscow | |||||||
| 21 Aug 2014 | 1 Sep 2014 | AU$ 3700 | AU$ 4400 | AU$ 5050 | AU$ 5800 | AU$ 5650 | |
| Moscow to St.Petersburg | |||||||
| 5 Sep 2014 | 16 Sep 2014 | AU$ 3700 | AU$ 4400 | AU$ 5050 | AU$ 5800 | AU$ 5650 | |
| Moscow to St.Petersburg | |||||||
Day 1: Arrival in Moscow
Upon arrival in Moscow, transfer to the deluxe Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel located in the historic city center right by the Bolshoi Theatre. You may spend the rest of the day at leisure relaxing after the flight or explore Moscow centre on your own.
Please note that the itinerary from St. Petersburg to Moscow mirrors itinerary from Moscow to St. Petersburg. You can choose which way you wish to travel by the dates of the departures.
Accommodation
Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel - built in 1999, The Marriott Aurora Royal Hotel is one of the most luxurious in town: with the Red Square and the Kremlin as well as the famous Bolshoi Theatre in walking distance, the hotel has the capital’s commercial, political and cultural heart literally on the doorstep. With its arches and spires, the hotel gloriously blends traditional Moscow with modern conveniences.Meals Included
noneDay 2: Exploring Moscow
Begin the day with orientation tour of Moscow followed by a ride in the famed Moscow metro. After lunch in a local restaurant, proceed to the Old Tretyakov gallery to view its extraordinary collection of Russian art, ranging from 12th-century icons to 20th-century paintings.
This evening you can enjoy an optional opera or ballet performance at the famed Bolshoi Theatre (subject to the schedule of performances).
City Tour in Moscow includes: Red Square (walking tour) with St. Basil's Cathedral (w/o entrance), Christ the Savior (entrance), Novodevichy Cemetery (entrance), metro ride tour, Vorobyevy Hills (photo stop).
Accommodation
Marriott Royal Aurora HotelMeals Included
1 x Breakfasts1 x LunchesDay 3: Visit the Kremlin and then board the Volga Dream
This morning enter the Kremlin for a visit to the Armory Museum, with its collection of tsarist thrones, ceremonial crowns, coaches and gifts of state. Continue to the beautifully frescoed 15th-century Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals. If you wish, you can take the optional tour of the new Tretyakov Picture Gallery and discover its outstanding collection of XX century masterpieces by artists including Chagall, Kandinky, and Malevich. The tour is guided by the professor of fine arts.
After lunch we transfer to the awaiting luxurious Volga Dream and begin our sailing along the Russia 2000 n Waterways. Gather for Captain's welcome reception and dinner as we begin our cruise.
Accommodation
On board the Volga DreamMeals Included
1 x Breakfasts1 x Lunches1 x DinnersDay 4: Cruise to Uglich, a Golden Ring city dating back to the 10th century
We arrive this afternoon in Uglich, dating back to the 10th century. A walking tour of this Golden Ring city includes the Chapel of Dimitry, a 17th-century treasure built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s 10-year old son met his death. Visit the Church of the Transfiguration, noted for its beautiful iconostasis, and attend a concert of choral music.
During the cruise, you will have opportunities to partake in activities, some cultural, informative and others, relaxing. There are guest speakers on board certain voyages and there are movies shown on Russian Culture and History. There are chances to learn the Russian Cyrillic alphabet and learn traditional crafts. You can get into the the kitchen and learn some Russian cooking secrets or get 'behind the scenes' in the heart of the ship - the engine rooms.
Accommodation
On board the Volga DreamMeals Included
1 x Breakfasts1 x Lunches1 x DinnersDay 5: Stroll in the oldest city on the Volga River, Yaroslavl, a World Heritage site.
This morning visit the oldest city on the Volga River, Yaroslavl, a World Heritage site. In the Spassky Monastery see the Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John's apocalyptic visions, and the richly frescoed Church of St. Elijah the Prophet. There will be time to stroll the lively farm market before reboarding the Volga Dream in time for lunch.
Accommodation
On board the Volga DreamMeals Included
1 x Breakfasts1 x Lunches1 x DinnersDay 6: Visit the village of Goritsy to tour the fortress-like Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery.
Early this morning we cross Lake Beloye, or the White Lake, formerly known as the “tsar’s fishing grounds”. Arrive in the peaceful village of Goritsy to tour the fortress-like Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery with magnificent frescoes by one of the Russia's most renowned icon painters. Return to the ship for a late lunch.
Accommodation
On board the Volga DreamMeals Included
1 x Breakfasts1 x Lunches1 x DinnersDay 7: Explore a tiny, picturesque island of Kizhy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Lake Onega.
This afternoon explore a tiny, picturesque island of Kizhy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Lake Onega. The open-air Museum of Architecture includes the Church of the Transfiguration, a unique onion-domed masterpiece built without a single metal nail and resembling something out of a Russian fairy tale.
Accommodation
On board the Volga DreamMeals Included
1 x Breakfasts1 x Lunches1 x DinnersDay 8: Navigate the Svir River toward Lake Ladoga, Europe's largest freshwater lake.
Be on the deck as we navigate the Svir River toward Lake Ladoga, Europe's largest freshwater lake, past a shoreline dotted with graceful willows, alder trees and stately pines. Step ashore for a brief visit to the vacation village of Mandrogi to experience daily life in a quaint wooden village.
Accommodation
On board the Volga DreamMeals Included
1 x Breakfasts1 x Lunches1 x DinnersDay 9: Arrive into St.Petersburg
Disembark this morning in St. Petersburg, which Peter the Great transformed from marshland into the vibrant city of islands, canals, bridges and pastel-colored palaces. Continue with an orientation tour of St. Petersburg and enter Peter and Paul Fortress, this family shrine of the Romanovs.
Following lunch enter the famed Hermitage Museum, whose four hundred rooms contain spectacular examples of nearly all schools of Western art, including one of the greatest collections of French impressionist works. This evening check-in at the five-start Angleterre Hotel located opposite of the St. Isaak Cathedral.
This evening enjoy an optional opera or ballet performance at the famed Mariinsky or Mikhailovskiy Theatre (subject to the schedule of performances).
City Tour in St. Petersburg includes: Peter & Paul Cathedral (entrance), Split of Basil Island (walking tour), St Isaak Cathedral (photo stop), Spilled Blood Church (photo stop), Nevskiy Prospekt drive.
Accommodation
The Angleterre Hotel was one of the first hotels to be built in St Petersburg. Since the very beginning the hotel has continued the time-honored Russian traditions of hospitality, and is dedicated to offering comfort and refinement to its guests. From its charming and central location overlooking St Isaac’s Cathedral, it is perfectly placed for discovering the history and romance of the city. The legendary hotel is managed by The Rocco Forte Collection and has obtained a new look after following extensive complex reconstruction in 2004.
Each of the hotel’s bedrooms and suites was designed by Olga Polizzi and is decorated in a style that combines the classic with the contemporary. All bedrooms are air-conditioned and fitted with direct-dial telephones, satellite TV, mini-bar, safe, fax point, and high-speed Internet connection. Many have views over St Isaac’s Cathedral. Angleterre Hotel has a fully equipped business centre, Beauty Studio, Fitness centre and swimming pool, and an Executive floor with Club Lounge, as well as the Caviar Bar and the ever-popular Borsalino Restaurant.
Meals Included
1 x Breakfasts1 x LunchesDay 10: St.Petersburg
Begin today at the meticulously restored Peterhof, St. Petersburg most famous and spectacular Imperial estate, often cited as the "Versalles of Russia". Visit authentic Bath Cottage and stroll in the vast Lower Park with 176 fountains of various forms and styles and four cascades, majestic palaces, numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes.
Optional: Join the museum hostess for the tour of the magnificent Yusupov Palace, once the residence of the wealthiest and most respected 1750 family in Imperial Russia, which saw one of the most dramatic episodes in Russia's history - the murder of Grigory Rasputin.
Accommodation
The Angleterre HotelMeals Included
1 x Breakfasts1 x LunchesDay 11: Visit Catherine's Palace
This morning we drive to Tsar’s Village for a specially arranged visit to Catherine’s Palace. See the exquisitely restored Amber Room and stroll in the formal gardens. Lunch and taste vodka an Podvorie, a restaurant in a traditional Russian log house.
Accommodation
The Angleterre HotelMeals Included
1 x Breakfasts1 x LunchesDay 12: Tour ends in St.Petersburg
Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight.