Overview
Explore Russia from its most cosmopolitan cities to the countryside immortalized by artists and writers during our exclusive tour, including a cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Tour Moscow’s Kremlin when it is closed to the public, and see outstanding collections at the Pushkin Museum. You’ll also enjoy a backstage tour at the newly restored Bolshoi Theater prior to attending a performance. Then board the elegant Volga Dream to cruise along the Volga River and explore Russia’s Golden Ring cities, including Uglich and Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga. Visit monasteries with magnificent frescoes and learn how to prepare blinis and pelmenis. Discover the tiny island of Kizhy, a World Heritage Site that is home to magnificent wooden churches. At Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest freshwater lake, step ashore to see the charming village of Mandrogi. An optional postlude in St. Petersburg is offered.Extraordinary Speakers
Throughout your cruise, attend presentations by extraordinary speakers. Simon Morrison, a professor of music at Princeton University, is an expert in 20th-century music, particularly Russian and Soviet works, with special interests in dance, cinema, and historically informed performance based on extensive archival research.Special Highlights
Begin your adventure with 3 nights at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Moscow, located steps from Red Square and the Kremlin.Go behind the scenes in Moscow for special VIP tours, including a tour of the Kremlin's Armory Museum before public hours and a backstage visit of the Bolshoi Theater, and meet a dancer from the prestigious dance company.Visit the aptly named “Golden Ring” cities on a scenic six-night cruise along Russia's picturesque waterways.Explore the historic waterfront villages of peaceful Goritsy, charming Mandrogi, and the tiny, picturesque island of Kizhy.Attend immersive enrichment sessions, including a Russian cooking class and a Russian language class.Enjoy cruising the legendary waterways from Moscow to the Golden Ring cities aboard Volga Dream, a luxury river ship with superb amenities.Enjoy a four-day optional Post-Cruise Extension in St. Petersburg.Don't forget to check out our photo slide show to glimpse the excitement of this special program!
View photos by clicking "Next Photo" at top of page!World Heritage Sites
This tour features the following World Heritage Sites:- The Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
- Kizhy Pogost
- Esemble of the Ferapontov Monastery
- Historic Center of the City of Yaroslavl
To see a complete list of all our tours featuring World Heritage Sites, click here.
