Experience the River Volga 

Sail along Europe's longest river and discover a country filled with traditional villages, vibrant cities and fascinating history. The Volga River runs through eleven of the largest cities of Russia including the capital of Moscow, which is situated on its banks. As you travel through Russia you see the ancient contrast against the modern, which both combine with a vast landscape filled with birch forests. This incredible country is also known for its varied architecture which is reflected in its many religious and government buildings, such as the breathtaking St Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin. Travelling along the River Volga opens up a variety of new experiences for you to enjoy.

The capital city of Moscow is home to some of Russia's most renowned sights and monuments. It is also an important political, economic, cultural, educational and financial centre in Russia. Many Russian river cruises begin in Moscow on the River Volga, giving guests an opportunity to experience the culture and witness the incredible sights. The world-famous Kremlin is located in the city, which is a citadel that houses the president of Russia. There are four palaces, four cathedrals and 20 towers that make up the Kremlin and a large wall that surrounds the area. The incredible fortress also overlooks two more of Moscow's most famous sights, Red Square and St Basil's Cathedral.

Red Square is a central square in Moscow and a link to many of the important streets and roads out of the city. It sits beside the Kremlin and the colourful St Basil's Cathedral and was originally intended as a market square for the city but has since been used for many official ceremonies. In recent times many concerts have been held in the square and it was one of the first Russian sites to be placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. St Basil's Cathedral is situated on the Red Square and features numerous multicoloured onion domes. Perhaps one of the most famous sights in Moscow, the cathedral is now a museum that welcomes thousands of visitors per year. When sailing the River Volga a stop at the cathedral is never disappointing.

As you move down the Volga River and the sights of Moscow fade into the background, the historic town of Uglich begins to appear in the distance. As you begin to approach the town from the River Volga two large churches mark the horizon, the Resurrection Cathedral and the Church of St John the Baptist. This undiscovered Russian town has a rich history dating as far back as 937 but due to conflict had to be rebuilt during the 17th and 18th centuries, resulting in some of the most remarkable religious architecture in all of Russia. The magnificent church of St Dmitry on the Blood is a particularly beautiful building, built to honour Ivan the Terrible's son.

Whilst Russia is home to some of the world's most remarkable cities and towns, the remote and traditional villages are also worth a visit. The small Russian village of Goritzy and the unspoilt village of Svirstroy lie between Moscow and St Petersburg, with some cruises of the River Volga stopping to view their monuments. The Monastery of St Cyril on the White Lake is a popular place to visit in Goritzy. The monastery was founded in 1937 and is a complex of 15th to 17th century churches as well as being home to the Museum of Icons. The unspoilt village of Svirstroy is home to 1,000 inhabitants and its quaint shops are the perfect opportunity to buy handmade trinkets and artwork to remind you of your time in Russia sailing the River Volga.