Boutique Russia river cruise from Moscow to St Petersburg

Exclusive £50pp discount!

Enjoy hotel stays in the heart of Moscow and St Petersburg and cruise along Russia's beautiful waterways on board small boutique ship Volga Dream on this brand new itinerary, with return flights from Leeds-Bradford Airport.

This unique holiday begins with a 3-night stay in a centrally-located hotel in the Russian capital of Moscow, just minutes from the main landmarks including St Basil's Cathedral, UNESCO-listed Red Square and the historic Kremlin. Guided tours allow you to make the most out of your few days in this famous city, with plenty of time to further explore the sights independently.

Embark Volga Dream and enjoy a traditional Bread, Salt and Vodka Welcome Ceremony on board. The next day, cruise along the Russian waterways to Uglich, home to the colourful Church of St Dmitri-on-the-Blood, and enjoy a choral music concert at St John's Church. In the ancient city of Yaroslavl there is a special tea reception at the governor's house and Goritsy is home to the impressive Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery.

On the beautiful island of Kizhi visit the Transfiguration Church, built without a single nail, then cruise the Svir River to experience daily life at the quaint village of Svirstroy. Disembark in St Petersburg for a 3-night central hotel stay, where tours showcase the city's famous sights including the fascinating Hermitage Museum, ornate Peterhof Palace and stunning Catherine's Palace. There is plenty of time to explore this spectacular city at leisure.

YVL160 Operated by Volga Dream

Day 1 : UK - Moscow (Russia)

Fly from Leeds-Bradford to Moscow and check-in to theArarat Park Hyatt or St Regis hotel for a 3-night stay. The hotel is located in the historic centre close to the Kremlin and Bolshoi Theatre. This evening, enjoy a welcome meeting or spend time exploring at leisure.

Day 2 : Moscow

This morning, join a city tour which includes a visit to the famous Novodevichy Cemetery, where you'll find the tombs of Russian authors and playwrights, a stop at the magnificent Cathedral of Christ the Savior and Lubyanka Square. After the tour, spend time at leisure exploring this fascinating city. Perhaps enjoy a cultural performance. (B)

Day 3 : Moscow

Enjoy a visit to the Armoury Museum, located within the Kremlin, which houses armour, weapons and beautiful royal carriages as well as Faberge eggs. Visit the magnificent Red Square, enjoy a photo stop at St Basil's Cathedral and take in the GUM Department Store. Remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 4 : Moscow

Take the opportunity to explore further this morning before checking out of the hotel and heading to the Tretyakov Gallery, which houses Russian fine art. Continue to Moscow's Metro which is renowned for its magnificent architecture. Later, transfer to the port to embark boutique ship Volga Dream for your cruise along Russia's waterways. Enjoy a traditional Bread, Salt and Vodka Welcome Aboard Ceremony this evening. (B,D)

Day 5 : Uglich

scenery

Day 6 : Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl is one of Russia's oldest cities and the first port on the River Volga. Admire the Transfiguration of the Saviour in the magnificent Spassky Monastery, before continuing to the Church of Elijah and the Prophet. Later, enjoy a tea reception at the governor's house before re-joining the ship for lunch. Take part in a Russian cooking class on board. (B,L,D)

Day 7 : Goritsy

The ship arrives in beautiful Goritsy. Head to the spectacular Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery which houses the world's best collection of Russian icons. After a guided tour, return to the ship and cruise towards Lake Onega. Today, you will also enjoy a Russian Dinner with Vodka tasting. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : Kizhi

The Kareliya region is a vast wilderness which spans from St Petersburg to the Arctic Circle. Lake Onega has 1369 islands and is fed by 58 rivers. You'll visit Kizhi Island which has ancient wooden houses and windmills, and is home to the iconic Transfiguration Church, built without a single nail. Today, you'll have the opportunity to attend a piano concert with pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : Svirstroy

Today you are invited into a local resident‘s home. Warm and welcoming Svirstroy villagers will offer tea with jam and pirozhkie (local pies). They will regale you with tales of Russian tradition, lifestyle and the attractions of Svirstroy village while proudly showing you their homes and kitchen gardens. After tea, a bus will take you to the nearby town to see a local WWII monument and visit a local primary school. Today, you can also enjoy a barbecue on the Sun Deck. (B,L,D)

Day 10 : St Petersburg

Cruise the Neva River into St Petersburg and disembark the ship. Join a guided city tour with highlights including Peter and Paul Fortress, a walking tour of Split Island, and photo stops at St Isaac Cathedral and the Spilled Blood Church. Later, check in to the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe for a 3-night stay. (B)

Day 11 : St Petersburg

This morning head to the famous Hermitage Museum which houses one of the world's most important collections of European art. After lunch discover the spectacular Peterhof Palace and its cascading fountains, often referred to as the Versailles of Russia. Return to St Petersburg by hydrofoil and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. (B,L)

Day 12 : St Petersburg

This afternoon you'll visit Catherine the Great's Palace with its impressive Amber Room, housing six tonnes of amber framed in gold leaf. After being destroyed by the Nazis in 1941, the room was rebuilt to commemorate St Petersburg's 300th birthday. (B)

Day 13 : St Petersburg - UK

Check-out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Leeds-Bradford.

The Captain reserves the right to modify the itinerary.

Price Includes

6-night full board cruise in an outside cabin on Volga Dream
3-night stay at the Ararat Park Hyatt or St Regis hotel in Moscow with meals as specified in itinerary
3-night stay at the Belmond Grand Hotel in St Petersburg with meals as specified in itinerary
Return flights from Leeds-Bradford and overseas transfers
Lunch in one of the best restaurants in St Petersburg
Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
Guided shore excursions in small groups (maximum of 25 guests), accompanied by an English speaking guide
Bottled water in your cabin, replenished daily
Entertainment and educational programme on board
Port charges

Price Does Not Include

Travel Insurance
Gratuities
Russian Visa

Additional Information

Upgrade to the Platinum Package and receive:
Five additional lunches in Moscow and St Petersburg
Visit to St Basil's Cathedral
Early entrance to the Hermitage and access to Gold Room closed to general public
Access to the world's largest collection of Faberge Eggs at the Faberge Museum, St. Petersburg
Guided shore excursions in small groups (maximum of 12-16 guests)
Please call us for more details.

Special Features

Special Experiences:
Traditional Bread, Salt and Vodka Welcome Ceremony
Screening of a film on the construction of the Moscow Canal
Tea Reception and Russian Cooking Class
Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting
Piano Concert
Barbeque on the Sun Deck

NO PRICES

Russian Waterways Discovery

Enjoy 3-night hotel stays in Moscow and St Petersburg, and a 6-night cruise on Volga Dream along the Russian waterways. Includes Leeds-Bradford flights, guided excursions and drinks with lunch and dinner on board