Cruising the River Volga in Russia

Cruising can be a wonderful adventure especially when cruising the waterways of Russia and taking in the scenic splendors, wildlife and cultural interest.

One of the leading river cruise destinations in Russia is the Volga. The Volga has been a thoroughfare of commerce and culture for centuries. If a Russian cruise should take your fancy then I would suggest you look at General Tours.

General Tours is advertising a 7-night Splendid Waterways of the Czars Cruise between Moscow and St Petersburg on the 59-cabin Volga Dream.

The Volga Dream is Russia's first luxury ship and is under Western management offering outside staterooms, flat screen TVs and fine wines at a la carte lunches and dinners.

There are six escorted excursions to the river port towns en-route. Included in these excursions are three UNESCO World Heritage sites. The cost of the excursions are in the cruise price which start from $2,299pp. It does need pointing out though that the cost of the all important visa which is a requirement for U.S. citizens to enter Russia is not included in the cruise price.

There are many cruise highlights including a tour of the beautiful Golden Ring town of Uglich. Whilst touring this 10^th century town you will visit the magnificent Church of St. Demitrius of the Blod which is constructed at the place where Ivan the Terrible's son Dimitry was assassinated.

One of Russia's oldest cities is the beautiful Yaroslavi. In this city you will find wonderfully preserved churches dating back to the 13^th to 17^th centuries, you will also be able to browse through and explore the local market and experience everydaylife along the Volga.

After sailing across the White Lake you will visit the village of Goritzy and tour the Kirill-Belozwesky Monastery which was founded in 1397. Next day you will sail across Lake Onega, which is the second largest lake in Europe, to Kizhi Island. Here you will experience a tour of the open -Air Museum of Architecture. Here you will be exposed to fantastic examples ofcustomery Russian wooden structures which includes churches, windmills and houses.

A small detour on the majestic Svir River takes you to Mondraga. Mondraga is a reconstructed village which has been built to demonstate the lifestyle and traditions of Russia's past.

The final leg of the cruise sails in the Valaam Archipelago where you will visit the Monastery of the transfiguration of the Savior and you will be entertained by a performance from the local choir.

The ship then sails for St Petersburg. You will be able to spend a few days in magnificent St Petersburg which is Russia's second city. St Petersburg is blessed with a skyline of grand pre-revolutionary architecture which ranges from neo-gothic Chesme Church to the azure tiles and twin fluted minarets that adorn the St Petersburg Mosque.

Whilst in St Petersburg take time to visit St Peter and Paul's Fortress with its fantastic cathedral and the golden dome of St Isaac's Cathedral which is the largest in Russia.

General Tours offers 4-day extensions both in Moscow an d St Petersburg. A 4-night extension staying in three-star hotels start at 4528pp, four-star $576pp and five-star $816pp. These rates do include transfers, accommodation, excursions, entrance fees, transportation and guide services , a lunch and an evening folklore show at Nikolaevsky Palace.

Source: recommend