Cruise Moscow - St.Petersburg
Moscow makes an excellent starting point for this tour. Moscow, immeasurably huge, bustling and business-like, still retains an unfading sense of the loved and treasured past, revealed by its ornate churches, shady lanes with attractive old mansions, masterpieces of art and architecture dating from as far as the 15th century.
Tour the Kremlin with its spectacular buildings and the magnificent Red Square with its renowned St. Basil’s cathedral featuring a throng of brightly patterned cupolas. Welcome to the Tretyakov Gallery, which has the world’s finest collection of Russian icons. In this sprawling giant of a city you will never run out of things to see and will be kept enthralled by the irresistible magnitude of its numerous wonders.
Following the intricate chain of canals, rivers and lakes we will start on our way to St. Petersburg. But before this majestic creation of Peter the Great unveils its incomparable treasures you will spend several relaxing and memorable days touring Russia’s countryside where nothing will remind you of the gargantuan proportions of the two Russian capitals – Moscow and St. Petersburg – the highlights of our cruise.
The little town of Uglich will welcome you with the silvery chimes of the church bells. Escorted by the knowledgeable guide you will discover the mysteries of the Uglich Kremlin, enjoy the melodious singing of the church choir and listen to the tragic story of Prince Dimitry, the youngest son of Ivan the Terrible, ruthlessly murdered in Uglich by the tsar’s rivals.
On the next day you will have the opportunity to visit Kostroma. Founded in 1152, Kostroma is a lovely northern town, which was generously patronized by the Romanov dynasty. It is noted for the elaborate trading arcade and the scenic ensemble of the Ipatiev monastery, housing the festive Romanov chambers and the museum of natural history, boasting a fine collection of butterflies.
Just a few-hours sail from Kostroma will take you to Plyos. Situated on one of the highest spots in the Upper Volga region (the banks here rise up to 80m above the water level), Plyos is mainly known as a place frequented by Russia’s greatest landscape painter Isaac Levitan whose museum will be of great interest to all art-lovers. Plyos is also associated with the names of two other outstanding artists – the painter Ilya Repin and the singer Fyodor Shalyapin.
The next point of our itinerary is Yaroslavl whose ancient undisturbed beauty will move you profoundly. The white-stoned monastery of Our Saviour's transfiguration and the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet with frescoes of a beauty that is hard to encompass await you in Yaroslavl, one of the most precious pearls in the string of Russia’s “Golden Ring” towns.
The town of Kirillov, not far from Goritsy where our ship will be docked, provides a well-known tourist attraction, the monastery of St. Cyril on the Siverskoe Lake, one of the major Orthodox strongholds of the old Russia. Founded in the 14th century, the monastery preserved its remarkable architecture and contains a fascinating ensemble of churches enclosed within the austere fortress walls.
The tiny island of Kizhi is a sparkling gem in the vast richness of the Russia’s cultural heritage. Its unique open-air museum contains unequaled masterpieces of wooden architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries. The pride of this marvelous collection is the church of St. Lazarus’ Resurrection dating back to the 14th century. Stroll around this serene fairytale-like island and its vivid image will be imprinted in your mind forever.
Mandrogui is one of the most popular tourist stops with all our guests. This toy-like village will offer you all kinds of entertainment: folklore shows, souvenir shops, the Vodka museum, a little zoo and an elk farm. Step in any of the village’s artfully decorated houses and you will find there artisans in traditional Russian costumes practicing their crafts as they have for centuries. Or taste the genuine Russian food offered by the generous host of the old-style tavern. You will be fascinated by the distinctively Russian, homely feel of this lively colourful village.
Gradually our cruise will come to an end and you will find yourself in the legendary St. Petersburg. Founded in 1703 and built by the Europe’s most distinguished architects of the 18th and 19th centuries, St. Petersburg justly ranks among the world’s most beautiful cities. Northern Venice, the city-museum, the finest creation of Peter the Great – all this is St. Petersburg, presently Russia’s second largest city.
During the city tour you will savour the reticent elegance of its grand squares and stately palaces, carefully planned boulevards and elaborate facades. You will visit the cradle of the city - Peter and Paul Fortress - and, of course, the world’s richest art museum – Hermitage – virtually impossible to encompass in splendour and diversity. You can also visit one of St. Petersburg suburban estates, well-known for their dazzling architecture and gorgeous parks. We are sure that your St. Petersburg experience will be highly rewarding and immensely pleasurable and will perfectly crown your holiday in Russia.
Without doubt, a river cruise along the intricate system of waterways between Moscow and St. Petersburg offers you a relaxing, yet informative holiday without the difficulties of a long road by car or train. You just have to unpack once and then be free to enjoy your cruise.