A Russian River Cruise on the Volga River

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Take a deep dive into the history and culture of Russia on this two-week journey that combines Moscow, a Volga River cruise aboard a luxury vessel, and St. Petersburg. Enjoy private touring through some of the country’s greatest treasures on this all-encompassing journey through Russia.

Suggested journey at a glance: 14 days/13 nights including six nights on a luxury river cruise along the Volga River and pre- and post-cruise extensions in Moscow and St. Petersburg

This suggestion is just one of many ways to see Russia on your own customized Ker & Downey journey. Our designers are at their best when crafting a journey unique to you; contact us to get started planning, and read on to see one example of what’s possible on our Volga River cruise journey.

Moscow

The Kremlin and Red Square are at the heart of the city. Within the walls of the Kremlin there are many ancient structures, including 15th-century cathedrals, the Grand Kremlin Palace, and the Armoury with a fantastic collection of items representing the Imperial power. Enter the Armoury to inspect clothing, carriages, the famous Faberge eggs, and the 17th-century throne of Alexy Romanov covered in turquoise stones and 900 diamonds.

Since the 15th century, the Red Square has been at the center of Russian history. The beautiful St. Basil’s Cathedral, commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in 1552, is located on one end of the square.

Take in the city views from Sparrow hills and visit the world-famous State Tretyakov Gallery. It has a unique collection of more than 170,000 pieces of Russian art. Take a stroll down Arbat Street, a bohemian pedestrian street where Moscow’s 18th-century literary and artistic community would spend their days in the many cafes.

The Volga River Cruise

Board the Volga Dream, the most luxurious vessel sailing the Russian waterways. Enjoy a true Russian cultural experience with the native Russian crew as they share their country’s history. In the evenings, enjoy a range of experiences on board—from piano concerts with pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov to Russian tea ceremonies, cooking classes, and Vodka tastings.

As your Russian river cruise travels along the Volga River, you’ll see the forested countryside and ancient trading town of Uglich, home to the Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood. At St. John’s Church, enjoy a concert of choral music.

Visit Yaroslavl, one of Russia’s oldest cities, founded in 1010. Cross Lake Beloye to the village of Goritsy to tour the Ferapontov Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with frescoes by Dionysius, a renowned Russian icon painter. In Kizhi, there’s a collection of ancient wooden houses and windmills, and the famous Transfiguration church built in 1714 without any nails. Your final town along the Volga River is Svirstroy. There, enjoy a day in a local resident’s home with tea and “pirozhki” (local pies).

St. Petersburg

The final stop on your journey through Russia is vibrant St. Petersburg—a city of islands, canals, bridges, and pastel-colored palaces. Visit the Hermitage, possibly the largest museum in the world hosting over three million items within its four buildings. It is undoubtedly one of the most prominent art museums too, with works by Raphael, Rembrandt, Da Vinci, and Titian. Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress; the many buildings and parks of Peterhof, famous for its gold fountains; and Pushkin, the summer residence of the Russian Emperors. Set in the suburbs of St. Petersburg, is is comprised of several pavilions, lakes, gardens, and Catherine Palace.

Custom Trips to Russia

Explore more of Russia on a Russian river cruise. Contact a Ker & Downey designer to customize your own journey. Read more about the seasonality, pricing, and the Ker & Downey Difference in Eastern Europe.

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