Volga Dream Cruise: Moscow to St Petersburg

Superior Private Tour in brief

Day 1: Moscow

On arriving in Moscow, transfer to the deluxe Marriott Aurora Hotel in the historic city centre near the Bolshoi Theatre and Moscow Kremlin. Enjoy a warm-up meeting with your guide and fellow guests (in the hotel lobby from 6 to 9pm). (N)

Day 2: City Tour & Novodevichy Cemetery

Begin the day with an orientation tour of the city before proceeding to the famous Novodevichi Cemetery, where numerous well-known Russian authors, musicians, playwrights, and poets, are buried along with famous actors, political leaders, and scientists. Take the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, explore Moscow on your own or seek out a cultural performance at one of the city’s word-class venues. (B)

Day 3: Moscow Kremlin, Armory, Red Square & GUM Department Store

The morning consists of a stroll through the famous Moscow Kremlin with its beautiful cathedrals and unique museums. The Armory hosts an impressive collection of opulent coronation finery, hand-forged armour and ancient weapons, royal carriages and sleighs. Next are the magnificent Red Square and its famous landmarks – Lenin’s Tomb and St. Basil’s cathedral (outside), a colourful multi-domed complex whose architects were supposedly blinded by Ivan the Terrible so that they would never again be able to recreate such splendour.

The rest of the day is left open for independent exploration: for example you may walk to the new park Zaryadye located near the Kremlin and Red Square or choose any one of several optional tours. (B)

Day 4: Tretyakov Gallery & Metro Tour

The morning is free for you to walk at leisure before enjoying lunch in the hotel or near-by. Hotel check-out is at noon followed by a trip to the Tretyakov Gallery, the first museum dedicated exclusively to Russian fine art. Explore Moscow’s Metro, famed for its architectural splendour. Meanwhile, the luxurious MS Volga Dream awaits and your voyage along Russia’s extensive waterways is about to begin. The Captain’s welcome reception and dinner mark the start of our unforgettable cruise. (B, D)

Day 5: Uglich

After a full day of cruising through idyllic forested countryside, we tie up in the ancient trading town of Uglich, a key point in 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. Then an enchanting concert of choral music performed in St. John’s Church. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Yaroslavl

Founded in 1010, Yaroslavl is one of central Russia’s oldest cities and boasts the Volga’s first port. There is much to see: the Spassky Monastery houses the Transfiguration of the Saviour and the Church of Elijah the Prophet and an impressive collection of mosaics. Take part in a costumed reception at the governor’s house before re-boarding the MS Volga Dream in time for lunch. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Goritsy & the Belozersky Monastery

In this tiny settlement, we visit the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded in 1397, now home to one of the world’s finest collections of Russian icons. After a guided tour, we continue cruising toward the majestic Lake Onega. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Kizhi

Kareliya is a region that must be seen to be believed, it spans all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle, a vast wilderness of forest and water. Lake Onega is fed by 58 rivers and is home to 1,369 islands, including our stop, Kizhi with its quaint collection of ancient wooden houses and windmills including the famous and remarkable Transfiguration church, built in 1714 without a single nail being used. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Svirstroy

The highlight of your day in Svirstroy is being invited into a local resident’s home. Warm and welcoming Svirstroy villagers will offer tea with jam and ‘pirozhkie’ (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 to tour the nearby town, see a local WWII monument, and visit a local primary school. (B, L, D)

Day 10: St. Petersburg

Arrive in St. Petersburg via the Neva River and disembark the MS Volga Dream. Enjoy a city tour including the Peter and Paul Fortress, the burial place of the Romanov monarchs, and Nevsky Prospect, with its rich selection of fine shops, cafes, and museums. Afternoon check-in at the five-star Kempinski Hotel. (B)

Day 11: The State Hermitage Museum & Peterhof Park

The day begins at the world class Hermitage Museum, home to one of world’s most important collections of European art. Lunch is followed by a tour of the meticulously restored Peterhof, St. Petersburg’s most famous and spectacular Imperial estate, often cited as the Versailles of Russia. Visit one of the authentic Cottages and stroll through the vast Lower Park with its 176 fountains and four cascades. There are majestic palaces and numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes. The rest of the day left open for independent exploration. (B, L)

Day 12: Catherine's Palace

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, which houses the extraordinary Amber Room. Its six tons of solid amber are deftly carved and framed in gold leaf. Once dubbed the ‘eighth wonder of the world,’ the room was stripped by the Nazis in 1941, but meticulously rebuilt to mark the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg’s founding. (B, L)

Day 13: Fly to London

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)