Begin your voyage in the historic city of Astrakhan near the Caspian Sea, where East meets West. Follow in the footsteps of the ancient traders who sailed the Volga between the Orient and Russia's western towns. Wind your way North to experience the true scale of Russia as you pass cities and towns before arriving in vibrant Moscow.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Astrakhan
Your driver will pick you up at the airport. At the exit he will be waiting for you with your name on a sign, and from there he will take you to the ship where dinner will be served. You may relax and overcome your jetlag in your cabin, the ship’s lounge, or the fully-stocked bar.
Day 2
Astrakhan
Astrakhan is located where the mighty 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) until the rulers of Moscow took Astrakhan in 1556. Today you will tour the city, including its Kremlin and Baroque-style cathedrals. The city also features a monument to Peter the Great, who constructed a shipyard here for his battles against Persia.
Day 3
Akhtuba
Today you will be cruising on the Akhtuba River. It is the perfect day to relax, read, or observe the banks of this ancient waterway. And, of course, the ship's crew has prepared an entertaining program for you.
Day 4
Volgograd
Volgograd, formerly Stalingrad, is most famous for the year-long Battle of Stalingrad, during which the Russian army heroically defended their city and prepared a counter attack on the surrounding enemy forces. This Ally victory proved to be a turning point in the tide of World War II. You will visit the Rodina Mat (Motherland) memorial, commemorating those who fought and died here, as well the infamous Mamayev Mound.
Day 5
Saratov
Ivan the Terrible built what we now know as Saratov on the northernmost colony of the former Greek Empire. In the 19th century Saratov saw an influx of German immigrants who suffered relocation to Siberia and Kazakhstan when WWII erupted. It subsequently became a center of aircraft production during the Cold War and also produced one of Russia’s proudest citizens: Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space.
Day 6
Samara
Samara has long been Russia’s link to the East. The growing bread trade in the 19th-20th centuries turned this city into an important economic center and, during World War II, many military factories moved here from western parts of the country. Soviet leaders even had a contingency plan to move Russia’s capital to Samara should Moscow fall into German hands. Today, Samara is the third largest metropolitan area in Russia after Moscow and St. Petersburg and remains an important industrial center. During your tour of the city you will get to explore the local Art Gallery.
Day 7
Kazan
Kazan was the former capital of the Tatars, an ally of the deadly Mongols. When Ivan the Terrible conquered Kazan in 1552, he forced its then-Muslim ruler to convert to Christianity and built St. Basil’s Cathedral to celebrate his victory. Ivan also remodeled Kazan’s castle to suit the Russian style.
Day 8
Nizhniy Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod, similar to Moscow and Tver, began as a haven for refugees from cities pillaged by the Mongols in the 13th century. Moscovy incorporated the city in 1392, shortly before the Tatars of Kazan burned it down. It took over one century to construct a daunting redbrick fortress here, a castle that would withstand two more Tatar attacks. Today Nizhny Novgorod serves as one of the main commercial centers in Russia.
Day 9
Sailing
In ancient times the Volga River was used as a trade route by the Vikings on their way to Greece. It was along this route that the first Russian settlements were formed and still serve as home to more than half the population of Russia. We will spend today enjoying the beauty of the Volga onboard the ship.
Day 10
Yaroslavl
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 economic, political, and cultural center. The Mongols were so obsessed with defeating Yaroslavl that they did not notice the gradual rise of Moscow. Absorb the remaining richness of this city and let its lingering power enthuse you.
Day 11
Uglich
Located on the banks of the Volga River, Uglich presented itself as a perfect fortress of defense for the ancient Moscovy Kingdom. In 1591 the 10-year-old prince Dmitry of the ancient Ruyrik dynasty was murdered here by Boris Godunov before Godunov claimed the throne of Russia and was murdered himself. These events plunged Russia into three decades of political turmoil known as the Time of Trouble, leaving the lands devastated and open for a new dynasty: the Romanovs. We will visit the small but historically significant church of St. Dmitry-on-Blood, which stands on the location of the young prince’s murder.
Day 12
Moscow
Today is you will get to experience the majesty of the Kremlin in Moscow. This ancient citadel of the Russian tsars was originally an outpost to fend off the barbaric Mongol hordes. It remains a center of political power, holding a number of presidential ceremonies in its elegant palaces. Its rooms tell the stories of the Russian dynasties and rulers of the past 400 years, a well-preserved UNESCO treasure that will give you chills as you traverse the same halls that once held Ivan the Terrible, Napoleon, Lenin, and Stalin. You will also get a tour of the famed Armory Museum, including its vast collection of imperial Russian artwork.
Day 13
Moscow
Russia’s largest city, political capital, and economic center, Moscow is a bustling hub of world affairs as well as cultural treasures. Its 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, but Moscow has held its ground as one of the most important cities in the country. Today will be dedicated to exploring such important cultural and historical centers as the Red Square, Leningradskaya and Tverskaya streets, the exterior of the KGB building, and the elaborate Cathedral of Christ the Savior. We will also take a shopping trip to the famous GUM department store and also get to tour the Tretyakov Gallery, a national treasury of fine Russian art.
Day 14
Departure from Moscow
Your voyage has come to an end. It is time to say farewell to this glorious section of the world and your new friends as you leave, taking with you unforgettable memories. Ask your travel specialist about available cruise extensions.
Russian visa for US and Canadian customers, Russian visa invitation for customers from other countries;
Two airport transfers on arrival and departure (a $200 value per couple); transfers by private bus for tours in the itinerary;
Accommodation in hotel Marriott Aurora Royal (Moscow) and Hotel Angleterre (St. Petersburg). Except Moscow - Astrakhan - Moscow route, where all accommodation will be on board of Volga Dream;
Port fees, fuel surcharges and baggage handling (where available);
Travelers from most Western countries including the US and Canada need Russian tourist visas in order to enter Russia. We offer full-service visa processing for customers from the US and Canada. Customers from other countries can receive an official Russian visa invitation from us:
We recommend that you book arrival and departure transfers in advance. All of our transfers are serviced by modern vehicles and professional drivers. Our driver will meet you by airport exit gate or in hotel lobby; he will be holding a sign with your name on it.
"Travel All Russia" is the world leading agency for travel to Russia. Based in Washington DC, London, Moscow and St Petersburg, With services ranging from private tours to Russian river cruises, "Travel All Russia" organizes the most amazing travel itineraries to this enigmatic country always delivering unmatched value, signature service and uncompromising quality. Welcome to "Travel All Russia" - Where Journeys to Russia Begin. Continue »
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