Russia has so much to offer the visitor it is often
difficult to know where to start. Many people find that they cannot
travel round all the most well known places that they want to see
in one short holiday. The language barrier too can stop you from
really getting to the heart of what remains one of the most
fascinating and rewarding holiday destinations left to discover on
the planet.
A simple solution to these problems is to do like the
Russians have done themselves for over a thousand years; make use
of the extensive rivers, lakes and waterways which provide links
between all Russia's historic cities. Taking a River Cruise is the
exciting way to see the major attractions while enjoying all the
comforts of life on-board a cruise ship which transports you from
place to place while you eat, dance, sleep or just let the tranquil
landscape unfurl before your eyes.
Take the MS Bunin for example which sails from Moscow to
St Petersburg, a modern river cruise ship built in Germany in 1985.
It has a restaurant and two bars and carries a maximum of just 285
passengers making its many events, dinners and gala evenings that
little bit special. Good company comes easily in this easy intimate
atmosphere and during the daily stops you can explore alone, with
new friends or with the informative professional English-speaking
guide. On the ship you can attend aerobics classes, start to learn
the Russian language or brush up on your Russian history. Never
forget that the real purpose of your visit is to discover a part of
Russia which, for now, remains unspoilt by the package tourists.
The Bunin sails from Moscow to St Petersburg on a 12-day journey,
which takes in The
River Volga and the immense Lake Onega. The holiday begins when
your personal driver collects you from the airport and takes you
direct to the ships embarkation harbor. Once you are settled
in, Moscow is
ready and waiting! Everyone should see the Kremlin, Red Square and St Basils
Onion domed cathedral but Moscow is a city with much more to offer.
From the ancient Kitai Gorod quarter to the modern Conquerors of
Space monument, you'll find your guide indispensable throughout
your three days here.
After the hustle and bustle of the city it's a pleasure to
set sail and discover one beautiful town after another set in the
peaceful landscape of the Russian heartland.
Uglich , famous for it's pivotal position in the history of
Russia's Tsars, Yaroslav, once considered to be amongst the most
civilized cities in Europe and the monastery town of Goritsi are
all waiting to be discovered. On the river, you travel by night and
each day has new sights to captivate the traveler. Don't be
mistaken; the river leads to some smaller but no less intriguing
places, like the all-wooden cathedral on the island of Kizhi and
the folk village of Mandrogi. Winding northwards, you arrive in the
harbor of St Petersburg, the 'Venice of the North' and one of the
worlds most valuable cultural landmarks.
Three days here passes all to quickly amongst the
treasures of the Hermitage, following in the footsteps of
Dostoevsky or simply soaking up the unique atmosphere. Using the
ship as your base gives you all the benefits of a city centre hotel
without the expense. It's impossible to think of a more agreeable
way to discover the unique character of Russia's cities than to
travel on a river cruise.
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