Grand Volga

Upon arrival in Moscow, transfer to the deluxe MS Volga Dream. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your flight.

The day begins with an orientation tour of Moscow taking in a riding the city’s spectacular metro. After lunch in a local restaurant, 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 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 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.

A great 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 you 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. Then visit the imposing memorial on Mamayev Hill, which saw the bloodiest fighting of the war, and Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Your journey comes to an end, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.