Overview
Join us for nine nights aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe M.S. Volga Dream, the premier ship cruising Russia’s waterways wiht capacity of 109 passengers. This carefully crafted itinerary highlights Russia’s two great cultural capitals. Spend two nights aboard ship in St. Petersburg, czar Peter the Great’s “window on the West,” featuring a guided tour of the State Hermitage Museum. You'll also spend one night aboard ship in the fabled city of Moscow, the political and commercial capital of the world’s largest country, and see the world’s largest collection of Fabergé eggs. Cruise through the heartland of Mother Russia along scenic rivers, lakes, and canals to the legendary open-air museum of Kizhi Island, the 14th-century monastery of Goritsy, medieval Yaroslavl and 10th-century Uglich. This unique and always popular program appeals to the first-time visitor to Russia and the return visitor curious to see the astounding changes that have taken place in Russia’s two largest and most important cities.Smithsonian Expert
Throughout this tour, travel in the company of an exceptional Smithsonian Study Leader. Dr. Carol Reynolds has been passionately devoted to Russian culture ever since discovering the Cyrillic alphabet as a young girl. As a staunch advocate of arts education, Carol is an expert in weaving music and fine arts with history and culture.Special Highlights
Cruise for nine nights aboard the deluxe M.S. Volga Dream, the best vessel to cruise the waterways of Russia.Discover the timeless pageant that is Russia along the scenic rivers, lakes, and canals that link its two largest and most important cities.Enjoy ample time in St. Petersburg, a World Heritage site, including St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Peter and Paul Fortress, and a special early opening of the State Hermitage Museum.Explore Moscow’s World Heritage sites, including Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the State Armory Museum in the Kremlin, home of the world’s largest collection of Fabergé eggs.Travel through the Russian heartland, a countryside seemingly untouched by the 20th century, and visit traditional villages and onion-domed churches in Yaroslavl and Kizhi Island, both World Heritage sites, as well as Uglich and Goritsy.Experience a vodka tasting at a traditional Russian welcome reception.Enjoy a two-night optional Post-Cruise Extension in Moscow with deluxe hotel accommodations.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 in Russia: - The Historic Center of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments
- Kizhi Pogost
- The Historical Center of the City of Yaroslavl
- The Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
See a complete list of all Smithsonian tours featuring World Heritage sites.
