Waterways of the Tsars

Waterways of the Tsars

This fascinating cruise takes you through the country once shrouded in mystery to see Russia’s great landmarks, as well as its heartland too. Famous sights such as Moscow’s Red Square, The Kremlin and St Petersburg’s baroque palaces. A sail along the Volga allows you to discover the Golden Ring cities of Uglich and Yaroslavl, whilst a chance to cruise Europe’s two largest lakes and traverse the huge Volga-Baltic waterway make this trip one extraordinary journey.

13 days from only £2295

Holiday highlights
• St Petersburg’s baroque palaces
• Moscow’s iconic sights
• Discover Russia’s heartland
• Sail two of Europe’s largest lakes

Included excursions
• Tour to Puskin
• Evening of Russian Ballet/Opera
• Winter Palace
• Tour of St Petersberg
• Walking tour of Kizhi
• Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery
• Banks of the Volga
• Walking tour of Uglich
• Half day tour of Moscow
• Evening Russian folkloric music
• Tour the world famous Kremlin

Holiday Itinerary by Air
Day 1 UK to St Petersburg - Flight from the UK to St Petersburg and transfer to your ship. There is then time to relax on board before dinner.
Day 2 St Petersburg - This morning we head to Pushkin to visit elegant Catherine’s Palace, the summer residence of the Russian Tsars, and a tour of its various halls, Lunch on board followed by an afternoon of free time to explore the city. An evening performance of traditional Russian ballet or opera is followed by dinner aboard.
Day 3 St Petersburg - Today’s excursion is a tour to the Winter Palace to visit the famous Hermitage museum, with its vast collections. Following a picnic lunch see more of this beautiful city including St Isaac’s Cathedral and Nevsky Prospect and a visit to Peter and Paul Fortress. Dinner on board followed by an optional Russian folkloric performance.
Day 4 St Petersburg - An optional morning tour to visit Peterhof Palace’s beautiful interiors, landscaped gardens and fountains, or day at leisure to explore St Petersburg, ship departs early evening.
Day 5 Scenic Waterways & Mandrogy - A full day’s cruising across Russia’s intricate waterways, including Europe’s largest lake, Lake Ladoga. A sail along the Sivir River takes us to the model Russian community at the Mandrogy, before continuing along the 139-mile Blue Route to Lake Onega.
Day 6 Kizhi - An early morning cruise along Europe’s second largest lake, Onega, takes us to the island village of Kizhi. A walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture before lunch. We cruise through the night.
Day 7 Volga-Baltic Waterway & Goritzy - We continue cruising along the 229 miles of the majestic Volga-Baltic waterway that links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. We dock in Goritzy at lunchtime, a typical Russian village, and take a guided tour to the renowned 14th century Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. We return to the ship for an afternoon departure.
Day 8 Yaroslavl - An afternoon arrival at Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities, and an excursion along the banks of the Volga to the Churches of the Epiphany and St Elijah the Prophet. A choir performance at the latter is followed by free time. We set sail this evening.
Day 9 Uglich - A walking tour after breakfast through Uglich and a visit to the Church of St Dmitry on the Blood, built on the spot where Ivan the Terrible’s son Dmitry was mysteriously killed. Lunch aboard and cruise through the night.
Day 10 Moscow Canal and Moscow - A cruise along the Moscow Canal to the Russian capital and a half-day tour of the city, including the Bolshoi Theatre, Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral and a ride on the historic Metro. A city-centre meal prepared by your ship is followed by an evening of traditional Russian folkloric music.
Day 11 Moscow - No visit to this enchanting city would be complete without a trip to the Kremlin and its towers, cathedrals and palaces. You’ll see inside the Armoury, home to a collection of royal jewels, crowns and armour, before enjoying lunch in a local restaurant. Afternoon free to explore the city further or you can join one of our optional tours.
Day 12 Moscow - A full free day for you to explore this wonderful city’s many sights, or join one of the optional tours. This evening we enjoy our farewell dinner.
Day 13 Moscow to UK - After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Moscow airport for your return flight to the UK.

This itinerary also operates in reverse on certain dates. Port sequences, places visited, tours and times may vary.

Flight departures. Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds/Bradford, Glasgow, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham Tees Valley, Humberside and Norwich

By air - whats included
• 12 nights full board cruise
• Return flights & resort transfers
• 11 Included excursions

Visa Required - A Russian Visa can be arranged at a cost of £125 per person.