Highlights of the Volga

Your cruise will be aboard the comfortable, recently refurbished 3-star MV Chernishevsky, on a full board basis. There is a restaurant and two bars on board, as well as a sun deck, lecture theatre, sauna and shop. Cabins are 2-berth outside cabins with large opening panoramic windows (those on the lower deck have a non-opening porthole). Cabins have heating and ventilation, shower and WC, fridge and a wardrobe.

Day 1: UK/St. Petersburg

Depart on your flight to St. Petersburg. On arrival transfer to the MV Chernishevsky.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: St. Petersburg

This morning there is an included tour of St. Petersburg, introducing you to the sights of this fabulous city. Founded by Peter the Great at the turn of the 18th century as a new Russian capital, St. Petersburg is a splendid city of rivers and canals, broad avenues, ornate baroque palaces and magnificent cathedrals.

Our sightseeing begins with a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress, which was the first major building in the new city, designed to be a defence against advances from the Neva River. We will also see the magnificent Winter Palace with its lavish interiors, the main residence of the Tsars from Catherine the Great and her successors. The palace and four adjacent buildings lining the river bank house the vast art collections of the Heritage Museum.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Hermitage, reputed to be the largest museum in the world, where some two million superb works of art are on display, including great painters like Picasso, Rembrandt and Matisse.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 3: St. Petersburg

Today is at leisure, or why not join our optional excursion to Peterhof, Peter the Great’s favourite residence with its collection of magnificent palaces, mansions, fountains, statues, and landscaped gardens, designed to rival Versailles (bookable onboard). We also visit one of the Royal family’s summer palaces, the flamboyant Catherine Palace with its magnificent baroque façade at Pushkin.

Tonight the ship’s captain invites you for a welcome cocktail, before you set sail for Moscow.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 4: Lake Ladoga

This morning sees the start of a scenic cruise across Lake Ladoga, the largest freshwater lake on the European plain, then along the River Svir with free time to visit the riverside town of Mandrogy

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 5: Kizhi

The cruise reaches Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake, where you will visit the island of Kizhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk up to the remarkable wooden Transfiguration Church and bell tower, constructed in 1714 without the use of a single nail. Take a look around the openair museum at the inspiring collection of wooden structures rebuilt here.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 6: Goritsy

Today your cruise continues along the Volga-Baltic waterway, which links the Volga River and the Baltic Sea. On reaching the traditional Russian village of Goritsy, join an included excursion by coach to see the famous Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397. Once the largest monastery in Russia, this incredible site is home to a vast array of icons, many donated by visiting tsars.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 7: Yaroslavl

Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city of Yaroslavl today, which includes a visit to the market where there will be free time to explore the Church of St. Nicholas and a tour of the former Governor’s house, now an art gallery.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 8: Uglich

Today you will cross the Rybinsk reservoir and cruise the Upper Volga, to Uglich, one of the oldest cities in Russia. Take a walking tour around the city, visiting the church of St. Dmitry-on-the-Blood, built on the spot where Dmitry, son of Ivan the Terrible, was murdered and see the former Kremlin of Uglich and its blue-domed cupolas decorated with gold stars. This evening, you are invited to the Captain’s dinner.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 9: Moscow

Arrival in Moscow, founded in 1147 as a wooden fortress, which developed into the Kremlin as it is known today. It has grown into a city of immense contrasts with many historical buildings on the one hand and a lively modern city of over 8 million people on the other. Take a tour of the major sights of this incredible city, such as the red-brick Kremlin surrounded by huge battlements, Red Square, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and St. Basil’s Cathedral with its eight colourful onion domes.

Later today, you will have the opportunity to join an optional excursion.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 10: The Kremlin

Today you will visit the Kremlin, now the official residence of the Russian President. The afternoon is then free for you to explore more of this fascinating city at your pace. Maybe visit the famous GUM department store, take a ride on the Metro to see the beautifully decorated stations, or join one of the optional excursions that will be available on board.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 11: Moscow/UK

Disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Meals: Breakfast