Volga Dream Russian River Cruise

Upon arrival in Moscow, transfer to the deluxe Marriott Aurora located in the historic city centre near the Bolshoi Theatre and Moscow Kremlin. In the evening gather for the warm-up meeting with your guide (available at the hotel lobby from 6pm to 9pm) or spend the rest of the day exploring central Moscow 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.

2021 programs:
Gold program: Hotel in Moscow is Ararat Park Hyatt or Marriott Aurora.
Platinum program: Hotel in Moscow is Marriott Aurora or St. Regis.

Restaurants

Attractions

Begin the day with an orientation city tour of Moscow and then proceed to the famous Novodevichi Cemetery which holds the tombs of Russian authors, musicians, playwrights, and poets, as well as famous actors, political leaders, and scientists.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore Moscow on your own or seek out a cultural performance at one of the city’s renowned venues.

This evening you can enjoy an optional opera or ballet performance at the famed Bolshoi Theatre (subject to the schedule of performances). Ask us before departure to secure your seat.

City tour includes: Red Square walking tour, St. Basil's Cathedral (photo stop w/o entrance), GUM Department Store (entrance), Cathedral of Christ the Savior (entrance if time and availability allows), Novodevichy Cemetery (entrance).

2020 City tour includes: Red Square walking tour, St. Basil's Cathedral (photo stop w/o entrance), GUM Department Store (entrance), Cathedral of Christ the Savior (entrance if time and availability allows), Novodevichy Cemetery (entrance).

2021 City tour includes: Tverskaya Street, Lubyanka Square, Kremlin embankment, Cathedral of Christ the Savior (entrance if time and availability allows), Novodevichy Cemetery (entrance), Novodevichy convent (photo stop).

Meals

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.

The balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional tours at your choice.

2021 program: In addition to Kremlin, visit the magnificent Red Square and its famous landmarks - Lenin's Tomb and St. Basil's cathedral (outside), a colorful multi-domed complex whose architects were supposedly blinded by Ivan the Terrible so that they would never again be able to recreate such splendor.

Meals

This morning is free for an independent walk or lunch in hotel near-by area. At noon, check-out from your hotel and proceed to Tretyakov Gallery, the first museum dedicated exclusively to Russian fine art. Explore Moscow’s Metro, known for its architectural splendour and transfer to the awaiting luxurious MS Volga Dream to begin sailing along the Russian waterways. Gather for the Captain's welcome reception and dinner as we begin our cruise.

Volga Dream Experience: Bread, Salt & Vodka Welcome Aboard Ceremony

Meals

Accommodation

After a full day of cruising through forested countryside, dock in the ancient trading town of Uglich, one of the spokes of Russia’s renowned Golden Ring. Explore the impressive Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood, erected on the site where Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible, was murdered in 1591, and attend an enchanting concert of choral music at St. John’s Church.

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.

Volga Dream Experience: Documentary Film “Construction of the Moscow Canal”

Meals

Accommodation

Founded in 1010, Yaroslavl is one of the oldest cities in central Russia and the Volga’s first port. In the Spassky Monastery see the Transfiguration of the Savior and admire the mosaics at the Church of Elijah the Prophet. Take part in a costumed reception at the governor’s house, and then re-board the MS Volga Dream in time for lunch.

Volga Dream Experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony & Russian Cooking Class

Meals

Accommodation

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.

Volga Dream Experience: Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting

Meals

Accommodation

The Kareliya region, which spans the area from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle, is a vast wilderness of forest and water. Discover Lake Onega, fed by 58 rivers and home to 1,369 islands, including Kizhi. See a collection of ancient Russian wooden houses and windmills, and the famous Transfiguration church, built in 1714 without a single nail.

Volga Dream Experience: Piano Concert – pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov

Meals

Accommodation

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 either Mandrogi or Svirstroy - a small and charming village on the River Svir, with a population of about 1000. Warm and welcoming Svirstroy villagers will offer tea with jam and “pirozhki” (local pies). They will enthusiastically tell you all about Russian tradition, lifestyle and the attractions of Svirstroy village while proudly showing off their homes and kitchen gardens.

After tea hop on a bus for a tour of the nearby town to see the monument of the WWII and visit a local primary school.

Volga Dream Experience: Barbeque on the Open Deck

Meals

Accommodation

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-star Kempinski Moika 22.

This evening enjoy an optional opera or ballet performance at the famed Mariinsky or Mikhailovskiy Theatre (subject to the schedule of performances).

City Tour includes: Peter & Paul Cathedral (entrance), Split of Basil Island (walking tour), St. Isaac Cathedral (photo stop), Spilled Blood Church (photo stop), Nevskiy Prospekt drive.

2021 Program: Hermitage visit on day 11

Meals

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. Tour: 10am - 3pm

The balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration.

2021 Program: The day begins at the world class Hermitage Museum, home to one of world’s most important collections of European art.

Meals

Restaurants

This morning travel to Catherine the Great’s Palace, which houses the extraordinary Amber Room, its six tons of solid amber deftly carved and framed in gold leaf. Once deemed the “eighth wonder of the world,” the room was stripped by the Nazis in 1941, but majestically reconstructed in honour of St. Petersburg’s 300th birthday.

After lunch at Podvorie, a restaurant in a traditional Russian log house, return to St. Petersburg and visit Faberge museum, which contains world's largest collection of works by Carl Faberge, including 9 Easter eggs commissioned by the Russian royal family.

2021 program: This morning, join one of the optional tours or explore St. Petersburg at your own pace. In the afternoon, drive to Catherine the Great’s Palace. Visit to Faberge museum is not included in 2021 Gold program.

Meals

Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight.

Meals