Experience a 13-day luxurious getaway to see Russia's grandest city and its countryside aboard the MS Volga Dream. Explore Moscow's iconic Red Square to the vast collection of world-class exhibits in Kremlin's Museum. Learn more about Russia's history and culture in its century-old churches and structures in Uglich, Yaroslavl, Nizhniy Novgorod, Kazan, Samara, Saratov, Volgograd, and Astrakhan. Relax on Volga Dream's Sun Deck to view Russia's landscapes and forest. Conclude your voyage in the city of Astrakhan where the fascinating lecture on the famed black caviar, followed by a private testing of this most precious delicacy.
Highlights
Stop at Moscow’s famous Red Square and the iconic Kremlin
Experience Russia’s diverse musical and folk traditions through a series of performances
Explore Volgograd, the site of the decisive battle of World War II’s eastern front
Visit the world caviar capital and taste the real stuff in the city of Astrakhan
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
The day begins with an orientation tour of Moscow taking in a riding the city’s spectacular metro. After lunch in a local restaurant, we move on to the Old Tretyakov gallery and its extraordinary collection of Russian art, ranging from XII-century icons to XX-century paintings.
This morning you will step inside the Kremlin and visit the Armory Museum, with its collection of tsarist thrones, ceremonial crowns, coaches and extravagant gifts of state, the excursion also takes you to the beautifully frescoed 15th-century Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals. Then, back aboard the MS Volga Dream for a delicious buffet lunch as your breathtaking cruise along the Russia’s Waterways begins. The evening provides a chance to meet your crew and fellow travelers at Captain's welcome reception and dinner.
After a full day of cruising through the idyllic forested countryside, tie up in the ancient trading town of Uglich, a key point in Russia’s renowned ‘Golden Ring’. Explore the impressive Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood, erected on the site where Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible, was murdered in 1591. Then an enchanting concert of choral music performed in St. John’s Church.
Founded in 1010, Yaroslavl is one of central Russia’s oldest cities and boasts the Volga’s first port. There is much to see: the Spassky Monastery houses the Transfiguration of the Savior and the Church of Elijah the Prophet, an impressive collection of mosaics. Take part in a costumed reception at the governor’s house before re-boarding the MS Volga Dream in time for lunch.
Nizhniy Novgorod (formerly Gorkiy), once a wealthy commercial center poised on the important trade routes to the East, became a closed city due to military activity during the Soviet era. You will hear more about the city’s history as a place of exile for political prisoners. Walk the ramparts of the XVIth-century Kremlin with its spectacular views, and visit elaborately painted churches. The evening’s highlight is a folk concert presented by a local children’s group.
Today, you will notice that the now familiar Russian Orthodox Churches no longer dominate the banks of the River Volga. Instead, beautiful Muslim mosques begin to appear as you cruise across the border into the Republic of Tatarstan. You will leave the Volga Dream for a while to explore Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan and the very center of Russia’s Tatar culture. The white-walled Kazan Kremlin or citadel is where the famous Kul-Sherif mosque stands side by side with the old Peter and Paul Cathedral. Later in the day, a local ensemble will delight you with a concert of traditional Tatar music.
Today you will have the opportunity to relax on the Sun Deck as you sail past the Zhigulevskie mountains towards the city of Samara. Begin with a city tour, which includes a visit to the space museum, then stroll along the Volga esplanade to the Samara State Art Museum.
Once home to a large German community, Saratov is better known today for its connection to the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin, who lived and studied in the city. Your city tour takes us to the Radishev State Art Museum, the first Russian picture gallery outside of St. Petersburg or Moscow.
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 Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.
The Volga Dream arrives in the city of Astrakhan in the evening. This is the world capital of caviar, also the center of the fishing industry in Western Russia. This is where the mighty Volga flows out into the Caspian Sea.
The morning begins with a tour of a local fortress built during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. After lunch, an optional and fascinating lecture on the famed and much coveted black caviar, followed by a private tasting of this most precious delicacy.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,995
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Standard Cabin
Cabins equipped with porthole windows, private bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, direct dial telephone, satellite flat screen television, and minibar. Additional comforts provided include bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, bathroom accessories kit, bottled water (replenished daily) and welcome fruit basket.
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Superior Stateroom
Cabins equipped with large picture windows, private bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, direct dial telephone, satellite flat screen television, and minibar. Additional comforts provided include bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, bathroom accessories kit, bottled water (replenished daily) and welcome fruit basket.
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Deluxe Stateroom
Cabins equipped with large picture windows, private bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, direct dial telephone, satellite flat screen television, and minibar. Additional comforts provided include bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, bathroom accessories kit, bottled water (replenished daily) and welcome fruit basket.
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Junior Suite
Cabins equipped with large picture windows, private bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, direct dial telephone, satellite flat screen television, and minibar. Additional comforts provided include bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, bathroom accessories kit, bottled water (replenished daily) and welcome fruit basket.
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Deluxe Junior Suite
Cabins equipped with large picture windows, spacious closet, private bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, direct dial telephone, satellite flat screen television, and minibar. Additional comforts provided include bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, bathroom accessories kit, bottled water (replenished daily) and welcome fruit basket.
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Owner's Suite
Cabin equipped with private wrap around terrace, large picture windows, spacious closet, private bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, direct dial telephone, satellite flat screen television, and minibar. Additional comforts provided include bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, bathroom accessories kit, bottled water (replenished daily) and welcome fruit basket.
Notes
Single Supplement: 65% in addition to the double rate as posted.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Credit card, check, and bank transfer. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
1 day ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
2 days ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
3 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
3 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
4 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.