Volgograd, Russia
Nestled in the south-east of Russia's European part, charming Volgogradd is famous for one of the most significant events in Russian history, the Battle of Stalingrad.
Upon arrival in Volgograd, you head straight for the deluxe MS Volga Dream. The rest of the day is yours to relax after your flight.
No meals included.
Following breakfast, you continue exploring mighty Volgograd. Originally named Tsaritsyn, this remarkable city has had three name changes in its tumultuous history. The site of epic battles during the Russian, Revolution – between 1925 and 1961 it was known as Stalingrad. The people’s heroic defense of the city during World War II was destined to become the decisive battle of the conflict on the eastern front.
You will then visit the imposing memorial on Mamayev Hill, which saw the bloodiest fighting of the war, and the Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.
Breakfast is included.
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It's time to start your Volga River cruise adventure! Embark your ship and enjoy witnessing all the stunning Russian cities that are scattered along the river.
Saratov, Russia
Enchanting everyone with its peaceful seaside resort atmosphere, the lovely city of Saratov is an unmissable stop on your Volga River sightseeing itinerary.
Today you arrive in Saratov that is known as the Motherland of Yuri Gagarin, Russia's first cosmonaut. Following breakfast, you have a city tour around the most amazing city landmarks and visit the Radishev State Art Museum - the first Russian picture gallery outside St. Petersburg and Moscow.
After the tour, you return on board and continue cruising.
Breakfast is included.
Continue exploring wonders of many-sided Russia onboard Volga Dream cruise ship and take advantage of the exceptional service as well as comfortable in-house facilities.
Samara, Russia
Beautifully situated on the confluence of Volga and Samara Rivers, the alluring town of Samara boasts a scenic riverbank, cozy parks, and lively restaurants.
In the morning after breakfast, you get to enjoy incredible views while sailing by the Zhigulevskie mountains. Today you arrive in Samara and have a guided city tour around its most interesting attractions, including the Space Museum, the Samara State Art Museum, and in addition take a walk down the Volga River embankment.
After the tour, you return to your ship and enjoy a barbecue on the open deck.
Breakfast and barbeque are included.
Travel onboard the high-class ship along the picturesque Volga river and explore the main attractions of cozy Samara and marvelous Kazan.
Kazan, often referred to as the country's third capital, is a magnificent millennium city and Russia's religious treasure trove. It stands on the confluence of two rivers: the Volga and Kazanka, and has an incredible 1000-year-old history.
Today you arrive in Kazan - the beautiful capital of the Republic of Tatarstan and the center of Tatar culture in Russia.
In the afternoon prepare for a guided tour during which you visit the white-walled Kazan Kremlin where you see the famous mosque Kul-Sherif and the old Peter and Paul Cathedral. Later this day you enjoy a concert by a local Tatar folk group.
After the tour, you return on board and are free to attend a piano concert consisting of pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff.
Breakfast is included.
Make your way from wonderful Kazan to majestic Nizhny Novgorod, enjoying fantastic sceneries passing by.
Nestled on the banks of the gorgeous Volga River, the city with 8-century history, Nizhny Novgorod is one of the most prominent Russian cities which boasts some truly outstanding sights.
Today you arrive in Nizhny Novgorod, which was once an important center of trade and commerce in the East before it became a closed military city during the Soviet times.
During the city tour, you walk the ramparts of the 16th-century Kremlin and visit lavishly-decorated churches. As a highlight of the day this evening you attend a concert by a local children folk group.
After the tour, you return on board and enjoy the Russian dinner and Vodka tasting party.
Breakfast is included.
This day is reserved for leisure. Immerse yourself in the picturesque views as you sail by small villages, provincial towns, churches, and monasteries, set along the Volga River.
You are also welcome to attend a lecture by our guest speaker about the history and traditions of this part of Russia.
Breakfast is included.
Spend an unforgettable time on board the modern ship while traveling from Nizhny Novgorod to Yaroslavl in full comfort.
Another Russian gem and a significant stop of the Golden Ring route is the city of Yaroslavl situated at the confluence of Volga and Kotorosl Rivers. Being the oldest city on the renowned route, it is famous for its monumental heritage and offers numerous examples of authentic architecture in the area.
Today you explore one of the oldest Russian cities and the gem of the Volga River - Yaroslavl. During your guided city tour of Yaroslavl, which is a World Heritage Site, you explore the Spassky Monastery where you see the icon Transfiguration of the Savior, visit the wonderful Church of Elijah the Prophet with incredible mosaic decoration, and participate in a costumed reception at the Governor's House.
After the tour, you return onboard your ship. In the evening you can join a Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony.
Breakfast is included.
Enjoy great onboard service and let yourself get enchanted by amazing scenery on your way from Yaroslavl to Uglich.
Uglich is a magnificent Golden Ring town with almost 1000 years of history located on the banks of Volga River in the Yaroslavl region. The Golden Ring city is almost 1000 years old and was the setting of many important events in history.
Today you arrive in Uglich, that dates back to the 10th century and is the place where a historically significant political turmoil known as the Times of Trouble started.
During your walking city tour, you visit the famous Church of St. Dmitry-on-Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible's son, Dmitry, was mortally wounded in 1591, explore the Church of the Transfiguration, and attend a fascinating concert of choral music.
After the tour, you return to your ship. In the evening you enjoy Farewell dinner in the company of your fellow travelers.
Breakfast is included.
Make your way to the final stop of your unforgettable cruise, wonderful Moscow, which is famous as the very heart of mighty Russia.
Where it all starts and ends in Russia. Some say there is no other capital in the world like Moscow. The cultural exhibitions and landmarks are endless while the buzzing tempo of this metropolis will take you for a ride.
Today you arrive in the brilliant capital of Russia - Moscow. This glorious megapolis is a major travel destination and the crown jewel of all Russian cities.
Following breakfast, you meet your guide and start today's program with an orientation tour around the most famous Moscow attractions.
Visit the magnificent Red Square and see its famous landmarks: Lenin's Tomb and St. Basil's Cathedral, drive by the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, one of Russia's most important cathedrals, completely destroyed in Stalin's time and restored in 1990. Then we head for the famous Novodevichi Cemetery, where many noted Russian authors, musicians, playwrights, and poets are buried along with famous actors, political leaders, and scientists.Â
After lunch in a local restaurant, you visit the Old Tretyakov gallery to view its extraordinary collection of Russian art, ranging from XIX-century icons to XX-century masterpieces. Explore Moscow’s Metro, famed for its architectural splendor.
After the tour, you are transferred to your Moscow hotel for check-in and have the rest of the evening free.
Breakfast is included.
Following breakfast meet your guide and devote the day to the exploration of a real Russian miracle and its most famous symbol - the mighty Kremlin.
Today you go on a guided tour of this historical fortress, that includes a visit to its wonderful Armoury Chamber that houses a unique collection of crown jewels, stunning coronation finery, hand-forged armor, and weapons, royal carriages and sleighs, and world-famous Faberge eggs. You finish your Kremlin tour with a visit to the famous Square of Four Cathedrals, where you go inside the gorgeous 15th-century Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals decorated with magnificent frescoes.
Breakfast is included.
This is the final day of your amazing Volga Dream cruise. After breakfast, you check out from your hotel and meet your driver who takes you to the airport for your flight back home.
We wish you a safe flight and hope to work on your future trips!
Breakfast is included.
Collect memories of a lifetime and enjoy your perfect vacation, staying in a stylish 5-star hotel. Offering a wide range of impeccable services, central location, and great facilities to take advantage of, the hotel provides everything a traveler can ask for a nice stay. The pictures in the gallery are examples of 5-star hotels we offer.
What's Included
- Accommodation onboard the luxurious MS Volga Dream;
- 1 gourmet lunch at a high-quality restaurant in Moscow;
- Three meals daily on board the MS Volga Dream;
- Wine, beer and soft drinks served with all lunches and dinners on board;
- 24-hour coffee station with complimentary tea, coffee and snacks and daily bottled water supply;
- English-speaking professional guides;
- Rich sightseeing programs in a group of max. 25 people;
- All entrance fees according to the program;
- 5 educational lectures by respected Russian professors about Russian history and politics;
- Diverse cultural program onboard including classes, concerts, dances and performances;
- Group airport transfers;
- Port charges, local taxes, fuel surcharge;
- Complimentary Russia visa invitation;
- Support line during the trip.
Note: We include 1 vehicle for your arrival and departure transfers. If multiple vehicles are required additional transfer costs will apply.
Note: Hotels availability is subject to change. In case current hotels are booked out we will provide alternative hotels of an equal value for you.
Not included: international flights, multiple arrival/departure transfers, other meals not mentioned in the program, optional tours and services, all personal expenses.
Tour Highlights
- Exploring Moscow Highlights & Tour of the Novodevichiy Cemetery
- Tour of the Kremlin & Armoury Chamber
- Guided visit to the Tretyakov Gallery
- Russian cooking class
- Piano concert consisting of pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff
- Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting
- A visit to Radishev State Art Museum in Saratov
- Tour of Mamyev Hill & Stalingrad Battle Panorama Museum in Volgograd
What To Know
- The usual tip size in restaurants is 10% of the check. Recommended tips for guides and drivers is $8-12 per day for a great level of service
- If you're going on a cruise in spring or late summer, make sure to take some light jacket or a sweater with you. It might get windy on Russian rivers from time to time
- Russian climate is unpredictable and weather can be quite harsh even during summers