Ship Nizhniy Novgorod: from Moscow to Astrakhan River Cruise [09/14/2010-09/27/2010]
Route description:
Sailing from Moscow to Astrakhan, it is impossible not to be moved
by the sense of history and the immensity of Russia as it opens up
before you. Sail the whole length of the River Volga before
arriving in Astrakhan, an ancient stronghold of the Mongol Horde by
the Caspian Sea. What's included:
- Russian visas*
- Two airport transfers (on arrival and departure)
- Port fees are also included
- Meals (B, L, D)*
- Professional English-speaking guides
- Sightseeing tours according to the itinerary with entrance fees
- Rich on-board entertainment program
- Daily aerobics, Russian language and history lessons
*Only US citizens and residents can have the full visa support, for other guests we will provide visa invitation
| Date | Ship | Route | Duration | Lower Deck Triple | Main Deck Twin | Upper Deck Twin | Boat Deck Twin | Suite |
|---|
| 14 Sep 2010 - 27 Sep 2010 | Nizhniy Novgorod | Moscow - Astrakhan | 14 days | On Request | On Request | On Request | On Request | On Request |
Itinerary| Day 1 |  | Arrival
Your personal driver will meet you at the airport (he will be
holding a sign with your name on it) and take you to your ship.
There is no evening program, as you will probably want to get some
rest. You will be served dinner in the ship's restaurant after
which you can relax in the bar or get some sleep. | | Day 2 | .jpg) | Moscow
Moscow is Russia's largest city, its political and economic
capital. The town of Moscow was the center of Moscovy - a small
principality that unified the Russian lands against the Mongols in
the late 14th century and has ruled Russia ever since. As the
Mongols burnt major cities across Russia, refugees fled to smaller
principalities like Moscow, Tver and Nizhny Novgorod. Through
bribes, diplomacy and coercion, Moscow overcame its two rivals to
become "Russia's first city." Moscow's role was briefly challenged
when Tsar Peter the Great moved Russia's capital to his new city,
St Petersburg, on the shores of the Baltic Sea.
- This day is dedicated to exploring Red Square, the most
famous square in the world located in the very heart of Moscow next
to the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral and Lenin's Tomb. Red Square
together with the surrounding buildings is the most well known
symbol of Russia. You will have a whole afternoon to explore this
amazing place.
- Kremlin
- Optional: national folk show "Kostroma"
- Optional: Moscow by night + subway
| | Day 3 | .jpg) | Moscow
This day is very special, as we will visit Tretiyakov Gallery, one
of the world's most famous art galleries.
We will departure this evening from Moscow. You will have rich
entertaining program planned for this evening.
- Visit to Tretiyakov Gallery
- Optional: transfer to the city center
| | Day 4 |  | Uglich
Uglich is a small town located on the Volga River. Uglich was the
best-defended fortress of Moscovy and it was burnt on number of
occasions by Lithuanians, Tatars, and even the grand prince of
Tver, the city which rivaled Moscow.
Uglich is most famous for the tragic events that took place in 1591
when the 10-year old prince Dimitry, the last heir to the throne of
the ancient Ruyrik dynasty, was killed here (as historians now
agree, by Boris Godunov, advisor to Dimitry, who wanted the throne
for himself). Dimitry's death plunged Russia into decades of
political turmoil known as Time of Trouble.
On your walking tour around the town you will visit:
- Territory of the Kremlin
- Church of St. Dmitry on the blood
- Transfiguration cathedral
| | Day 5 |  | Yaroslavl / Kostroma
By today standards Yaroslavl is small, but its place in Russia's
history and culture cannot be underestimated. Before it was
annihilated by the Mongols it was Russia's largest city, its
economic, political, cultural and scientific center. It was rebuilt
shortly after but was once again burnt to the ground. While the
Mongols had been preoccupied with Yaroslavl, Moscow was able to
harness enough power to overthrow the "Mongol yoke."
During the Polish occupation of Moscow in the early 17th century,
it was Yaroslavl once again that became the center of the national
resistance to the occupation.
During your bus city tour you will visit:
- The Church of ElijahProphet
- Interactive tour of former Governor's House (Art
Gallery)
- Local food market to buy delicious foods
| | Day 6 |  | Nizhniy Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod was one of the newly founded towns that escaped
Mongol devastation on account of its insignificance. The city,
similarly to Moscow and Tver, attracted refugees from other cities
pillaged by the Mongols and expanded rapidly during the period of
the "Mongol yoke" that lasted for a little over 100 years. Moscovy
incorporated the city in 1392 and soon thereafter the Tatars of
Kazan burnt it down (1408). It took over one century to construct
an enormous redbrick castle here which was soon of use when the
Tatars tried to burn it again in 1520 and 1536. Today, just like
500 years ago, Nizhniy is one of the main commercial centers of
Russia. | | Day 7 | .jpg) | Cheboksary
Cheboksary is a vibrant commercial hub located on the Volga River
which, similarly to Astrakhan, was first conquered by the Mongols
and then by the Russians. There is nothing particularly special
about Cheboksary, except that it is famous for the church bells
produced here which are used by many Russian churches. | | Day 8 |  | Kazan
Kazan was the capital of Tatars, the allies of Mongols. Ivan the
Terrible conquered Kazan in 1552 and forced its Muslim ruler to
convert to Christianity. Ivan remodeled Kazan's castle to the
Russian style and built St. Basil's Cathedral on the Red Square of
Moscow in the celebration of his victory. It is interesting that
St. Basil's domes, all nine of them, correspond to the number of
days that the siege of Kazan lasted. | | Day 9 |  | Samara
Samara has long been Russia's diplomatic and economic link to the
East. The growing bread trade in 19th-20th centuries turned this
city into an important economic center in Russia. In World War II
many of military factories were moved to Samara. The soviet leaders
were even planning to move Russia's capital here had Moscow fallen
to the German hands. Today, Samara is the third largest
metropolitan area in Russia after Moscow and St. Petersburg and an
important industrial center.
During you city tour you will get to see the local Art
Gallery | | Day 10 |  | Saratov
Saratov was the northernmost colony of Greek Empire. In 512 BC it
was completely annihilated by Persia. One millennium later, Ivan
the Terrible established a colony on the ruins of the ancient city.
Saratov used to have a large population of Germans, who migrated
here during 19th century. When World War II erupted, they were
relocated to Siberia and Kazakhstan. During the Cold War Saratov
became the center of military aircraft production and not
surprisingly, Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, trained here. | | Day 11 |  | Volgograd
Volgograd (former Stalingrad) is famous for the battle that
unfolded here during the World War II. German forces attempted to
cut off the Russian armies and their industrial production from
their fuel supplies. To that end, they needed to take Stalingrad,
situated on the western bank of the Volga River. Hitler sent his
best armies and generals, including famous marshal Von Paulus to
command the siege. The Battle of Stalingrad lasted for almost one
year. The heroic defense of the city enabled the Russian army to
prepare a counter attack and to surround the invading forces. This
was a serious loss from which Hitler forces were never able to
fully recover. This was not the victory for the allies yet, but it
was in Stalingrad that the tide of war turned against the Germans.
Volgograd has a giant memorial Rodina Mat (Motherland)
commemorating those who fought and died here.
You explore the city by bus and visit the infamous Mamayev
Mound | | Day 12 |  | Sailing
The Volga is often mentioned in Russian literature. In ancient
times this river was used as a trade route by the Vikings who
travelled to Greece. It was along this route that the first Russian
settlements appeared. Today, more than half the population of
Russia lives along this ancient trade route.
You will have a great entertainment program while sailing:
- Russian tea party,
- Blini tasting,
- Concerts of folklore and classical music, Russian dancing
and singing classes
- Crash course on Russian language
| | Day 13 | | Astrakhan
Astrakhan is located where the mighty the Volga meets the Caspian
Sea, on the trade route from India to Persia. Astrakhan was the
capital of Khazaria and then of the Golden Horde (the Mongols).
Moscow took Astrakhan in 1556 and has ruled it ever since. As
Russia's gate to the Orient, this city features a unique mixture of
East and West.
You will visit Kremlin grounds of the city on a bus city
tour | | Day 14 |  | Departure
Your incredible voyage in time is coming to an end. It is time to
say farewell to this unique and beautiful country. It is time to
say good-bye to your new friends. It is time to go home with a
stock of fantastic experiences and unforgettable memories.
Your driver will take you to the airport. |
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Toll-free1-800-884-1721
