



Russian River Cruises
Discover the
imperial cities and charming villages of Russia with a delightful
cruise along Europe's longest river - the Volga. Russian
river cruises enable you to witness many of the country's
incredible sights, from the Moscow Kremlin to the Hermitage Museum
in St Petersburg, all on one remarkable trip. A relaxing cruise
along the Volga is the perfect way to unwind and explore the
fascinating cities of Russia at your leisure. Spend all day
sightseeing from your ship before getting closer to the landmarks
and attractions on shore excursions when the ship docks.
Each itinerary that cruises the River Volga has been created to introduce guests to both famous cities and lesser-known picturesque villages and towns. Many of our Russian river cruises begin in Warsaw, the capital city of Poland, before a train takes guests to Moscow to board the ship. The vibrant Russian cities of Moscow, St Petersburg and Yaroslavl contrast against the quaint traditional villages of Goritzy, Svirstroy and the island of Kizhi, making our Russian river cruises a diverse and exciting experience.
Russia has some spectacular sights, many of which have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. The historic centre of St Petersburg, Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin are just a selection of the most famous sights on the UNESCO list. Kizhi Island is also on the list and is one of the places that many Russian river cruises stop at. The island has an open-air museum that features a number of buildings, such as churches, windmills and houses, built entirely out of wood.
In the big cities you will see the incredible religious architecture that Russia is famous for like the large multicoloured cathedrals with vibrant onion domes, while in the smaller villages a peaceful atmosphere falls over the picturesque streets and traditional shops. Many of the small villages provide a feeling of days gone by, with medieval architecture and a traditional atmosphere. As you sail from place to place you will discover that each town, city and village has its own unique character just waiting to be explored.
Each river cruise ship has been carefully crafted to
accommodate its guests comfortably. River cruise ships are
typically smaller than ocean liners, making for a more intimate
experience along some of the world's most beautiful waterways. As
well as the River Volga, Russia is also home to some beautiful
lakes and canals. The tranquil Lake Onega is one of the largest
lakes in Europe with many river cruise ships sailing through it
between Moscow and St Petersburg. The Moscow Canal is often sailed
along on Russian river cruises and it connects
Moscow to five seas, as well as providing about half of the city's
water.
We use a variety of quality ships on all of our cruises with our Russian river cruises being no exception. When on board the comfortable panorama lounge areas provide exquisite views while sun decks allow you to take in the fresh air, or perhaps relax in the bar with a drink of vodka - a Russian favourite. Your floating hotel is the perfect home for the duration of your cruise, spacious and comfortable cabins await you at night while the scenery and sights beckon during the day.
Our Russian river cruises are complemented by rail travel, the perfect way to reach the ship without missing a moment of scenery along the way. Travelling by train is extremely relaxing and the perfect opportunity to chat to friends, partners, fellow passengers or simply indulge in a good book. At Great Rail Journeys we don't just see rail travel as a means to an end, it is an experience in itself which is why we use First Class services where possible.
Professional Tour Managers join guests at St Pancras International to ensure every part of your holiday goes according to plan, giving you peace of mind from the moment you leave your home. Each Tour Manager is knowledgeable about the destination and is there to offer as much or as little guidance as you would like while away. On every one of our holidays you are able to spend each moment as you wish and our Russian river cruises are no exception.
Waterways of the Tsars 2012
