River Cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg 13 days | PLATINUM Program

Luxury River Cruise
International Group
Languages: English
From 5.595$ per person in double occupancy

Home » Russian River Cruises » River Cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg 13 days | PLATINUM Program

6 UNESCO World Heritage Sights: Moscow Kremlin & Red Square; Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow; Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg; Historic Centre of the City of Yaroslavl; Ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery, Goritsy; Kizhi Pogost, Karelia.
Special Access to Russia’s Most Important Cultural Sites: Visit to St. Basil’s Cathedral; Special Early Entrance to the Hermitage and access to Gold Room closed to general public.
Must See Art Collections: Biggest in the World collection of Faberge Eggs at the Faberge Museum.
Russian Cultural Experience aboard the Volga Dream.
Touring in Intimate Groups of 12 – 16 Guests.
6 Nights at the nicest Moscow and St. Petersburg Hotels.
6 Delicious Lunches in the best Moscow and St. Petersburg Restaurants

Video

Itinerary: Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise 13 days | PLATINUM Program

Day 1
Moscow

When you arrive in Moscow, transfer to the deluxe Marriott Aurora***** or Ararat Park Hyatt***** in the historic city centre . In the evening gather for a welcome reception with your guide and fellow travelers or spend the rest of the day exploring central Moscow on your own.

Meals: –
Day 2
Moscow: City tour / Sparrow Hills / Lunch in the Moscow City / Novodevichy Cemetery

09:30am – 5:30pm
Begin the day with an orientation tour of Moscow. The city boasts unique diversity and variety in terms of building styles: classic, modern, empire and eclecticism amazingly sit alongside more monumental designs, such as Stalin’s towering skyscrapers from the mid 20th century. The architecture of the capital, though seemingly contradictory and contrasting, makes for a dazzling combination in a quite unique city. Lunch is served in a restaurant on the top-floor of one of Moscow’s skyscrapers offering spectacular city views. After lunch, visit the famous Novodevichiy Cemetery, where well-known Russian authors, musicians, playwrights, and poets, are buried along with famous actors, political leaders, and scientists.
City tour highlights: Tverskaya Street, Lubyanka Square, Kremlin embankment. Novodevichiy Convent (photo stop), and if time permits, a stop at the Christ the Savior Cathedral, Sparrow Hills.

Meals: B, L
Day 3
Moscow: Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square Walk / St. Basil’s Cathedral / GUM Department Store / Park Zaryadye

9:30am – 5:30pm
The morning consists of a stroll through the famous Moscow Kremlin with its beautiful cathedrals and unique museums. The Armory hosts an impressive collection of opulent coronation finery, hand-forged armor and ancient weapons, royal carriages and sleighs. After lunch, cross Red Square to visit GUM, Moscow’s largest department store, and enter a masterpiece of medieval Moscow – St. Basil’s Cathedral. Then proceed with a leisurely walk through the newly designed park Zaryadye, a stone’s throw from the Kremlin and Red Square.

Meals: B, L
Day 4
Moscow: Leo Tolstoy House-Museum in Hamovniki / Old Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro Embarkation aboard the MS Volga Dream

10:00 am – 6:00 pm
The first stop after checking-out of your hotel is a small and cozy former home-estate once owned by one of Russia’s literary greats, Leo Tolstoy. He lived with his wife and thirteen children in this two-storey wooden Moscow house from 1882 to 1901; it is now a carefully preserved memorial. The sightseeing continues after lunch at the State Tretyakov Gallery with its extraordinary collection of Russian art, ranging from Rublev’s 12th century icons to 19th century masterpieces. Explore Moscow’s Metro, famed for its architectural splendour. Meanwhile, the luxurious MS Volga Dream awaits and your voyage along Russia’s extensive waterways is about to begin. The Captain’s welcome reception and dinner mark the start of our unforgettable cruise.
Volga Dream Experience: Bread, Salt & Vodka ‘Welcome Aboard’ Ceremony

Meals: B, L, D
Day 5
Uglich

After a full day of cruising through idyllic forested countryside, we tie up in the ancient trading town of Uglich, a key point in Russia’s renowned ‘Golden Ring’. Explore the impressive Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood, erected on the site where Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible, was murdered in 1591. Then an enchanting concert of choral music performed in St. John’s Church.
Volga Dream Experience: Documentary Film “Construction of the Moscow Canal”

Meals: B, L, D
Day 6
Yaroslavl

Founded in 1010, Yaroslavl is one of central Russia’s oldest cities and boasts the Volga’s first port. There is so much to see: the Spassky Monastery houses the Transfiguration of the Savior and the Church of Elijah the Prophet with its impressive collection of mosaics. Take part in a costumed reception at the governor’s house before re-boarding the MS Volga Dream in time for lunch.
Volga Dream Experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony & Russian Cooking Class

Meals: B, L, D
Day 7
Goritsy

In this tiny settlement, we visit the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded in 1397, now home to one of the world’s finest collections of Russian icons. After a guided tour, we continue cruising toward the majestic Lake Onega.
Volga Dream Experience: Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting

Meals: B, L, D
Day 8
Kizhi

Kareliya is a region that must be seen to be believed, it spans all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle, a vast wilderness of forest and water. Lake Onega is fed by 58 rivers and is home to 1,369 islands, including our stop, Kizhi with its quaint collection of ancient wooden houses and windmills including the famous and remarkable Transfiguration church, built in 1714 without a single nail being used.
Volga Dream Experience: Piano Concert – pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov

Meals: B, L, D
Day 9
Svirstroy

The highlight of your day in Svirstroy is being invited into a local resident’s home. Warm and welcoming Svirstroy villagers will offer tea with jam and “pirozhkie” (local pies). They will enthusiastically tell you all about Russian tradition, lifestyle and the attractions of Svirstroy village while proudly showing off their homes and kitchen gardens. After tea, hop on a bus to tour the nearby town, see a local WWII monument and visit a local primary school.
Volga Dream Experience: Deck Barbeque

Meals: B, L, D
Day 10
St. Petersburg: City Tour / St. Isaac’s Cathedral / Canal boat / Yusupov Palace

9:30am – 6:30pm
The MS Volga Dream ties up in St. Petersburg on the Neva River where we disembark for a city tour, including Peter and Paul Fortress (outside), the Royal Romanov burial site and Nevsky Prospect with its rich selection of fine shops, cafes, and museums. Then we proceed to St. Isaac’s Cathedral, whose gilded dome dominates the city skyline. Sculptures and massive red granite columns decorate the façade, while the interior is even more lavishly appointed with mosaics, icons and columns of malachite and lapis lazuli. After a relaxed lunch we embark on a canal cruise sailing under the city’s many historic bridges and past its magnificent pastel. The day ends with a tour of Yusupov’s Palace, former home to one of St. Petersburg’s wealthiest aristocrats. The enigmatic story of Grigory Rasputin, the monk assassinated here by Prince Felix Yusupov, is told in this very basement. In the evening check-in at the five-star Belmond Grand Hotel Europe***** or Kempinski Moika 22*****.
City tour includes: Split of Basil Island (walking tour), Spilled Blood Church (photo stop), Peter and Paul Fortress (photo stop), St. Isaac Cathedral (entrance), Nevskiy Prospect drive.

Meals: B, L
Day 11
St. Petersburg: The State Hermitage (Early Entrance) / Gold Room / Peterhof: Park and One of the Small Cottages

9:00am – 5:00pm
The morning takes you to one of the most famous museums in the world, the awe-inspiring Hermitage in the lavishly decorated Winter Palace. (To avoid the crowds, we’ve arranged special Early Entrance for you, before official opening hours.) The Hermitage occupies six magnificent buildings and houses 3 million artworks ranging from Stone Age to modern times. The collection includes Leonardo Da Vinci, Rafael and Titian. After exploring the main galleries, proceed to the Gold Room, usually closed to general public, with a collection of gold Scythian artwork and elaborate imperial gifts. Lunch is followed by a tour to one of the most spectacular Imperial estate of Peterhof, often dubbed the Russian Versailles. The vast Lower Park, with its 176 fountains and four cascades, is a glorious place to walk, taking in majestic palaces and numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes. A truly spectacular day before we return to St. Petersburg.

Meals: B, L
Day 12
St. Petersburg: Faberge Museum / Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room

9:30am – 6:30pm
Enjoy a full sightseeing day with a visit to the Fabergé Museum, founded by entrepreneur, Viktor Vekselberg. The museum was opened in December 2013 to display a glittering collection of Faberge eggs and objects d’art created by Peter Carl Fabergé and his staff. Vekselberg’s collection is rated as one of the world’s most valuable and includes items he bought from the Forbes family in 2004 for $100 million. After lunch we travel to the Tsar’s Village to visit the famous Catherine’s Palace and the exquisitely recreated Amber Room. A stroll through the formal gardens is highly recommended. We enter the Pushkin grounds through the Golden Gate and ascend the staircase to the Grand Hall. The Golden Enfilade offers a glorious view of the Amber Room.

Meals: B, L
Day 13
St. Petersburg

Check out of your hotel and group transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Meals: B

River Cruise Inclusions

What's Included in the River Cruise Package
- Accommodation:
  - 3 nights in exquisite 5-star hotels in Moscow;
  - 3 nights in exquisite 5-star hotels in St. Petersburg;
  - 6 nights aboard the MS Volga Dream;
- Excursions & guides:
  - Welcome meeting with guide;
  - Daily sightseeing in ןintimate groups of 12-16 guests;
  - Whisper system for the entire journey;
- Meals:
  - Breakfast in hotels;
  - 3 lunches in a local restaurants in Moscow;
  - All meals aboard the MS Volga Dream include house wines, beer and soft drinks;
  - 24-hour Coffee Station;
  - Welcome & Farewell Cocktails;
  - Russian Dinner & Vodka Tasting;
  - Russian Tea Ceremony;
  - 3 lunches in a local restaurants in St. Petersburg;
- Other services:
  - Group airport transfer on arrival and departure ;
  - Onboard Entertainment Program;
  - Lectures by a Guest Speaker;
Price does not include
- Any airfare;
- Visa fees (Company is not liable for passengers with incorrect or expired visas);
- Tips;
- Personal medical insurance;
- Medical treatment;
- Laundry;
- Minibar;
- Personal expenses like gift shop purchases;
- Beverages on board MS Volga Dream other than wine and soft drinks during lunch and dinner;
- Drinks in the bar;
- Telephone and Internet connection;
- Other items not specifically mentioned as inclusions above;

Prices & Dates

2019 Russian River Cruises DATES

Direction of travel	GOLD / PLATINUM	IMPERIAL	GRAND VOLGA
Moscow - St. Petersburg	June 20-July 2 July 4-16 July 16-28 July July 28-August 9 August 9-21 August 22-Sept. 3 Sept. 5-17	June 20-July 2 August 9-21 Sept. 5-17
St. Petersburg - Moscow	May 31-June 12 June 26-July 8 July 10-22 August 29-Sept. 10	May 31-June 12 July 10-22
Moscow - Volgograd			May 3-13 Sept. 26-Oct. 7
Volgograd - Moscow			May 13-24

2019 Russian River Cruises PRICES

Prices per person in double occupancy

Programs	Standard	Superior	Deluxe Dbl	Deluxe Twin	Junior Suite	Dlx Junior Suite	Owner Suite
GOLD	$4.495	$5.195	$5.695	$5.895	$6.695	$7.495	$8.995
PLATINUM	$5.595	$6.295	$6.795	$6.995	$7.795	$8.595	$10.095
IMPERIAL	$6.845	$7.545	$8.045	$8.245	$9.045	$9.845	$11.345
GRAND VOLGA	$3.745	$4.445	$4.945	$5.145	$5.945	$6.745	$8.245

Payment terms:

10% within 7 days of booking.
90% 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellations Terms (days prior departure):

If you cancel 90 days or more before tour start date, you will lose your 20% deposit.
If you cancel from 60 to 89 days before tour start date, your refund will be 35% of program price.
If you cancel from 31 to 59 days before tour start date, your refund will be 20% of program price.
If you cancel 30 days or less before tour start date, your payment is not refundable.

Summary of Programs

	GOLD	PLATINUM	IMPERIAL	GRAND VOLGA
Direction of travel	MOW - STP	MOW - STP	MOW - STP	MOW - VOL
Program Duration, incl.:	12 nights	12 nights	12 nights	10 nights
Moscow + Cruise + St. Petersburg	3+6+3	3+6+3	3+6+3	2+8+0
Approximate group size	max 25	max 16	max 10	max 25
Airport transfer on arrival	Group transfer	Group transfer	Private	Group transfer
Welcome meeting with guide	✓	✓	✓	✓
Airport transfer on arrival	✓	✓	✓	✓
Daily Supply of Bottled Water	✓	✓	✓	✓
Guide headphones for entire trip	✓	✓	✓	✓
HOTEL IN MOSCOW	3 nights	3 nights	3 nights	2 nights
Ararat Park Hyatt OR Marriott Aurora 5 star	✓	✓	-	✓
Four Seasons, 5 star deluxe	-	-	✓	-
PROGRAM IN MOSCOW	3 days	3 days	3 days	2 days
City Tour	✓	✓	✓	✓
Red Square Walk	✓	✓	✓	✓
GUM Department Store	✓	✓	✓	✓
Kremlin and Armory Chamber	✓	✓	✓	✓
State Tretyakov Gallery	✓	✓	✓	✓
Novodevichy Cemetery Visit	✓	✓	✓	✓
Metro Introduction Tour	✓	✓	✓	✓
Leo Tolstoy's House-Museum	-	✓	✓	-
Park Zaryadie	-	✓	✓	-
St. Basil's Cathedral (inside tour)	-	✓	✓	-
Local Restaurant Meals, inluding:	-	3 meals	3 meals	2 meals
Lunch in the Moscow City Skyscaper	-	✓	✓	-
Free Time to Explore	very good	good	good	average
HOTEL IN ST. PETERSBURG	3 nights	3 nights	3 nights	-
Grand Hotel Europe OR Kempinski Moika 22, 5 star	✓	✓	-	-
Four Seasons Lion Palace, 5 star deluxe	-	-	✓	-
PROGRAM IN ST. PETERSBURG	3 days	3 days	3 days	-
City Tour	✓	✓	✓	-
Peter & Paul's Fortress Tour	✓	-	-	-
St. Isaac's Cathedral	photo stop	✓	✓	-
Church on the Spilled Blood	photo stop	photo stop	photo stop	-
Peterhoff: Lower Park & Small Cottage	✓	✓	✓	-
Catherine's Palace in Pushkin	✓	✓	✓	-
State Hermitage Museum	✓	early entrance	early entrance	-
Excusive visit to Gold Room (Hermitage)	-	✓	✓	-
Canal Boat Ride	-	✓	✓	-
Faberge Museum	-	✓	✓	-
Yusupov Palace / Rasputin Rooms	-	✓	✓	-
Local Restaurant Meals	1 meal	3 meals	3 meals	-
Free Time to Explore	very good	good	good	-
CRUISE PART	6 nights	6 nights	6 nights	8 nights
All Meals (B-L-D)	✓	✓	✓	✓
House Wine with Lunch and Dinner	✓	✓	✓	✓
BBQ on the Open Deck	✓	✓	✓	✓
24-hour Coffee Station	✓	✓	✓	✓
Welcome & Farewell Cocktails	✓	✓	✓	✓
Russian Dinner & Vodka Tasting	✓	✓	✓	✓
Russian Classical Music Concert	✓	✓	✓	✓
Russian Cooking Classes	✓	✓	✓	✓
Russian Tea Ceremony	✓	✓	✓	✓
Matryoshka Painting Classes	✓	✓	✓	✓
Onboard Entertainment Program	✓	✓	✓	✓
Lectures by a Guest Speaker	4 lectures	4 lectures	4 lectures	6 lectures
Port Charges & Local Taxes included	✓	✓	✓	✓

Accommodations on-board

The MS Volga Dream entered service during the spring of 2007 after a comprehensive two-year renovation. This elegant vessel is designed in classic decor with a slight Russian touch and accommodates just 100 passengers. She is the best choice for travelers seeking intimate cruise experience and personalized service.
50 staterooms are located over four decks and range from Standard Cabins to Deluxe Staterooms. On the upper 2 decks – Promenade and Sun, you will find spacious Junior Suites and luxurious forward looking Owner’s Suite, which has a private terrace and separate exit to the open deck.
All cabins are equipped with private bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, direct dial telephone, satellite flat screen television and minibar. Additional comforts provided include bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, bathroom accessories kit, bottled water (replenished daily) and welcome fruit basket.