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Volga Dream – Gold

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Volga Dream - Gold

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Cruise along the mysterious and magical banks of Eastern Europe’s great waterways and discover cities steeped in history, political intrigue and royal resplendence. Visit ancient cathedrals, admire imperial palaces and enjoy the rustic charms and traditions of rural Russia.

Experience some of the world’s finest historical treasures, from Moscow’s mighty Kremlin to St Petersburg’s elegant Winter Palace, Odessa’s Potemkin Steps and Yalta’s White Palace. Travel along the many waterways and discover the majestic beauty of the country’s vast, rural landscape. Experience timeless traditions, visit beautiful cathedrals and opulent palaces, encounter iconic historical landmarks and admire world class art collections.

The cruise from Moscow to St Petersburg allows you to follow ‘The Waterways of the Tsars’, a spectacular voyage through the heart of Russia combining great cities with rural highlights. St Petersburg contains over 100 islands and is paramount to the history and development of Russia. This twelve night cruise allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of one of the most fascinating countries of the world and helps you to understand the vastness and many different aspects of daily life of the modern day superpower.

What’s Included:

  • Return flights from the UK and overseas transfers
  • 6 nights on board MS Volga Dream in air-conditioned outside cabin
  • All meals included on your cruise
  • Complimentary beer, wine & soft drinks with lunch & dinner on board MS Volga Dream
  • 3 nights 5★ hotel accommodation  in Moscow with daily breakfasts
  • 3 nights 5★ hotel accommodation in St. Petersburg with daily breakfasts
  • Breakfasts & lunches as specified in Moscow and St. Petersburg
  • Entertainment and educational programme on board
  • Sightseeing excursions as specified in small groups (maximum 25 guests)
  • Pre and post cruise excursion including visits to St Basil’s Cathedral, The Peterhof Palace, The Kremlin and more
  • English speaking guide
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in Saint Petersburg
Day 1 - UK to Moscow

Upon arrival in Moscow, transfer your 5★ hotel located in the historic city centre near the Moscow Kremlin, Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre. That evening, gather for the welcome meeting with your guide (available at the hotel lobby from 6pm to 9pm) or spend the rest of the day exploring central Moscow on your own.

Accommodation

2019 – Marriott Aurora or Ararat Park Hyatt
2020 – Ararat Park Hyatt or St Regis

Day 2 Moscow

Begin the day with an orientation tour of the city before proceeding to the famous Novodevichi Cemetery, where numerous well-known Russian authors, musicians, playwrights, and poets, are buried along with famous actors, political leaders and scientists. Take the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, explore Moscow on your own or seek out a cultural performance at one of the city’s word-class venues. City tour includes: Tverskaya Street, Lubyanka Square, Kremlin embankment, Cathedral of Christ the Savior (entrance if time and availability allows), Novodevichy Cemetery (entrance).

Day 2 Moscow

Breakfast

Day 3 - Moscow

The morning takes you into the Kremlin to visit the Armoury Museum and its renowned collection of opulent coronation finery, hand-forged armour and weapons, royal carriages and sleighs. Continue to the beautifully frescoed 15th-century Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals. Next is the magnificent Red Square and its famous landmarks – Lenin’s Tomb and St. Basil’s cathedral (outside), a colourful multi-domed complex whose architects were supposedly blinded by Ivan the Terrible so that they would never again be able to recreate such splendour. The rest of the day is left open for independent exploration: for example you may walk to the new park Zaryadye located near the Kremlin and Red Square or choose any one of several optional tours. Today’s tour includes: the Kremlin, visit to Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals, the Armoury (visit), Red Square walking tour, St. Basil’s Cathedral (photo stop w/o entrance), GUM Department Store (entrance).

Day 3 - Moscow

Breakfast

Day 4 - Moscow

The morning is free for you to walk at leisure before enjoying lunch in the hotel or near-by. Hotel check-out is at noon followed by a trip to the Tretyakov Gallery, the first museum dedicated exclusively to Russian fine art. Explore Moscow’s Metro, famed for its architectural splendour. Later, transfer to the luxury that waits aboard MS Volga Dream before sailing Russia’s extensive waterways. The Captain’s welcome reception and dinner mark the start of our unforgettable cruise. Volga Dream Experience: Bread, Salt & Vodka Welcome Aboard Ceremony

Day 4 - Moscow

Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 - Uglich

After a full day of cruising through idyllic forested countryside, we 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. Volga Dream Experience: Documentary Film “Construction of the Moscow Canal”

Day 5 - Uglich

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Yaroslavl

Founded in 1010, Yaroslavl is one of central Russia’s oldest cities and boasts the Volga’s first port. There is so much to see: the Spassky Monastery houses the Transfiguration of the Savior and the Church of Elijah the Prophet with its 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. Volga Dream Experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony & Russian Cooking Class

Day 6 - Yaroslavl

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Goritsy

In this tiny settlement, we visit the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded in 1397, now home to one of the world’s finest collections of Russian icons. After a guided tour, we continue cruising toward the majestic Lake Onega. Volga Dream Experience: Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting

Day 7 - Goritsy

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Kizhi Island

Kareliya is a region that must be seen to be believed, it spans all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle, a vast wilderness of forest and water. Lake Onega is fed by 58 rivers and is home to 1,369 islands, including our stop, Kizhi with its quaint collection of ancient wooden houses and windmills including the famous and remarkable Transfiguration church, built in 1714 without a single nail being used. Volga Dream Experience: Piano Concert – pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov

Day 8 - Kizhi Island

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Svirstroy

The highlight of your day in Svirstroy is being invited into a local resident’s home. Warm and welcoming Svirstroy villagers will offer tea with jam and “pirozhkie” (local pies). They will enthusiastically tell you all about Russian tradition, lifestyle and the attractions of Svirstroy village while proudly showing off their homes and kitchen gardens. After tea, hop on a bus to tour the nearby town, see a local WWII monument and visit a local primary school. Volga Dream Experience: Deck Barbeque

Day 9 - Svirstroy

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 - St Petersburg

Arrive in St. Petersburg via the Neva River and disembark the MS Volga Dream. Enjoy a city tour including the Peter and Paul Fortress, the burial place of the Romanov monarchs, and Nevsky Prospect, with its rich selection of fine shops, cafes, and museums. Afternoon check-in to your 5★ hotel.

City Tour includes: Peter & Paul Cathedral (entrance), Split of Basil Island (walking tour), St. Isaac Cathedral (photo stop), Spilled Blood Church (photo stop), Nevskiy Prospekt drive.

Accommodation

2019 – Belmond Grand Hotel Europe or Kempinski Moika 22
2020 – Belmond Grand Hotel Europe

Day 10 - St Petersburg

Breakfast

Day 11 - St Petersburg

The day begins at the world class Hermitage Museum, home to one of world’s most important collections of European art. Lunch is followed by a tour of the meticulously restored Peterhof, St. Petersburg’s most famous and spectacular Imperial estate, often cited as the Versailles of Russia. Visit one of the authentic Small Cottages and stroll in the vast Lower Park with its 176 fountains and four cascades. There are majestic palaces and numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes. The rest of the day left open for independent exploration.

Day 11 - St Petersburg

Breakfast & Lunch

Day 12 - St Petersburg

This morning, join one of the optional tours or explore St. Petersburg at your own pace. In the afternoon, drive to Catherine the Great’s Palace, which houses the extraordinary Amber Room. Its six tons of solid amber are deftly carved and framed in gold leaf. Once dubbed the “eighth wonder of the world,” the room was stripped by the Nazis in 1941, but meticulously rebuilt to mark the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg’s founding.

Day 12 - St Petersburg

Breakfast

Day 13 - St Petersburg to UK

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Breakfast

Volga Dream - Moscow

When it comes to luxury river cruises in Russia, the Volga Dream offers an unprecedented level of luxury, as well as the finest accommodation, delicious food, best service and care in the industry. The advent of the boutique VOLGA DREAM reveals the tsarist-era luxury and provides superior service, installing the ship as the class of the waterway. With 60 crew members and a capacity for just over 100 passengers, the ship has the lowest passenger-to-crew ratio among Russian river cruise ships. With so few guests amid the ship’s spacious arrangement, it feels like sailing aboard a private yacht. You’ll find no hassle disembarking at the various ports of call, no delays at mealtime. Our trip is mostly suitable and recommended for those, who appreciate serene atmosphere to reinvigorate inner resources and emotional state. The visitors, who feel vim and vigor for new adventures, enjoying the Russian river cruises with us, will also be pleasantly surprised. Russia’s first luxury river cruise ship, featuring the latest technology and superior service, the 314-foot VOLGA DREAM offers what no other Russian cruises can: cosmopolitan comfort amid the greater rural envisions. Being all about personal approach, the Volga Dream cruise in Russia offers the most exquisite experiences as you explore the hauntingly beautiful regions of this enigmatic country.

MS Volga Dream - Lounge

Onboard Features & Facilities

  • Restaurant
  • Bar and Lounge, Large Panoramic views and Evening Pianist
  • Afternoon tea served daily
  • Cooking Demonstrations
  • Russian Language lessons
  • Documentary Films
  • Tchaikovski and Rachmaninov piano concerts
  • Matrioshka painting classes
  • Russian costumed dinner with vodka tasting
  • Library
  • Fitness center & Sauna
  • Wifi

Accommodations & Amenities

Stay in one of the elegantly appointed 50 Staterooms Located over 4 decks. On the upper 2 decks – Promenade and Sun, you will find spacious Junior Suites and luxurious forward looking Owner’s Suite, which has a private terrace and separate exit to the open deck. All cabins are equipped with 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.

Owner’s Suite

260 ft² – Sun Deck

  • Private Wraparound Terrace
  • Large Picture Window
  • Seating area with armchairs, sofa and desk
  • Private Bathroom with shower
  • Spacious Wardrobe
  • Air conditioning
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Satellite television (flat-screen TV)
  • Private electronic safe
  • Minibar
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • 220V outlets
  • Welcome Fruit Basket

Junior Suites

Deluxe Junior Suite 170 ft² – Sun Deck

Junior Suite 158 ft² – Sun Deck

  • Large Picture Window
  • Private Bathroom with shower
  • Spacious Wardrobe
  • Air conditioning
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Satellite television (flat-screen TV)
  • Private electronic safe
  • Minibar
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • 220V outlets
  • Welcome Fruit Basket

Deluxe Staterooms

Double 122 ft² – Promenade Deck

Twin 126 ft² – Sun Deck

  • Large Picture Window
  • Private Bathroom with shower
  • Spacious Wardrobe
  • Air conditioning
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Satellite television (flat-screen TV)
  • Private electronic safe
  • Minibar
  • Radio
  • Hairdryer
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • 220V outlets
  • Welcome Fruit Basket

Superior Staterooms

114 ft² – Main Deck

  • Large Picture Window
  • Private Bathroom with shower
  • Spacious Wardrobe
  • Air conditioning
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Satellite television (flat-screen TV)
  • Private electronic safe
  • Minibar
  • Radio
  • Hairdryer
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • 220V outlets
  • Welcome Fruit Basket

Standard Cabin

101 ft² – Cabin Deck

  • Porthole Window
  • Private Bathroom with shower
  • Spacious Wardrobe
  • Air conditioning
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Satellite television (flat-screen TV)
  • Private electronic safe
  • Minibar
  • Radio
  • Hairdryer
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • 220V outlets
  • Welcome Fruit Basket

Single

Deluxe Single 81ft² – Sun Deck

Standard Single 69ft² – Promenade Deck

  • Large Picture Window
  • Private Bathroom with shower
  • Spacious Wardrobe
  • Air conditioning
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Satellite television (flat-screen TV)
  • Private electronic safe
  • Minibar
  • Radio
  • Hairdryer
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • 220V outlets
  • Welcome Fruit Basket
MS Volga Dream - Deck Plan

GOLD PROGRAM TRIP DESCRIPTION & HIGHLIGHTS Volga Dream GOLD combines the best of Moscow and St. Petersburg with a deluxe cruise on the iconic Volga River. The journey is ideal for individual travelers and small groups who want to explore both the Russian countryside and the treasures of Russia’s grandest cities. Accommodation in exquisite 5-star hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg Daily sightseeing in small groups, never more than 20-25 guests Moscow visits include: the Kremlin, Red Square, the Armory and the Tretyakov Gallery St. Petersburg highlights: the magnificent Hermitage, Peterhof and Catherine’s palace All meals aboard the MS Volga Dream include house wines, beer and soft drinks Russian professors present 4 fascinating talks on the intricacies of Russian’s history Diverse range of cultural activities aboard the MS Volga Dream


For our latest prices & availability please call 0800 471 4754



IMPORTANT INFORMATION A Russian Visa must be arranged in advance, for an approximate cost of £240 per person. Please note that current Russian visa regulations require a personal visit to the Russian Embassy in either London, Edinburgh or Manchester to complete the application process, which is at your own cost*. *The cost and process to obtain a Russian tourist visa can change at any time, please contact the Russian Embassy to confirm the full details.

Prices are per person based on two sharing.


Why Choose This Cruise?

One of the main differences between this and other Russian Waterways cruises is that you stay in centrally located hotels, rather than on the ship, in both Moscow and St Petersburg. As the docking locations for the ships are a bit out of the centres of these two cities you are therefore better placed to explore, either on your own or as part of the organized tours. The Volga Dream is one of the smaller vessels on the Russian waterways with a passenger complement of 109, around half that of most others. providing for a much more intimate experience.

Moscow Kremlin and of St Basil's Cathedral on Red Square - Global River Cruising

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