Russia is a fascinating place to visit, but its vast size makes it difficult to see it all on one trip. There are two must-see places in Russia - Moscow and St. Petersburg. You can see both of these great cities on a land tour like "the Treasures of Two Capitals" ($1,890 per traveler) or on a river cruise that starts in Moscow and ends in St. Petersburg ($1,820) or vice versa ($1,660). In both cases you will spend 3 days in each city, which is enough to see the best of them.
The price of the cruise is almost identical to the price of the tour, but you spend more days in Russia (13 or 10 days vs. 7 days). If you are looking for a relaxing cultural getaway cruise is a good option for you. However, if you are looking for a younger crown, a land tour may be a wiser choice. Secondly, when you go on a land tour you have a freedom to plan your day each morning. On a cruise, you have no control over what and when you will see - the cruise program will go by the planned itinerary. Third, both, land tours and cruises, are escorted tours, but the former are superior in that you have a personal guide as opposed group guides who work on cruises.
In case of a land tour, you will need to take a train from Moscow to St. Petersburg (the first class coach is included in the price of "the Treasures of Two Capitals"), but if you go on a cruise, your cruise liner will take you there. One of the major advantages of cruises is that they also take you to the ancient towns of the Golden Ring on the way from Moscow to St. Petersburg. This service, however, may be added to the land tour since some of these towns are located only couple hours away from Moscow.
In short, if you are looking for a company of other western travelers and a pre-determined entertainment program, if you are interested in spending more days in Russia while not spending too much money - cruise is a great choice. Indeed, Russian river cruises are one of the most popular ways to visit Russia for older travelers. However, if you are willing to spend fewer days, but to have more freedom to explore Moscow and St. Petersburg an escorted land tour like "the Treasures of Two Capitals" is something for you.
To get an advice on what you should choose, please feel free to contact us and our tour specialists will help you decide what's better for you. 1. 800.884.1721