See what it's like to take a grand tour of the most famous cities in Russia with a cruise down the mighty Volga River. Our tour offers exciting land excursions as you visit what was once hidden behind the iron curtain. Check out all the details on our website: http://www.rivercruises.net/europe/russia/ Russia is the largest country in the world, home to 150 million people and spanning 11 time zones. Over a thousand years of culture, history, intrigue, and mystery. Ornate palaces, giant squares, magical fountains, the first man in space, world-renowned literature, art, and music. Since 1991, when Perestroika opened Russia to the world, millions of visitors have poured into Moscow to marvel at the Red Square, the unique onion domes of Saint Basil's Cathedral, and the vast Kremlin grounds adorned with giant bells and cannons. Millions have come to St. Petersburg to view the incomparable wealth of the Hermitage Museum, the grandeur of Pavlovsk and Catherine Palaces, and the magic of Peterhof Fountains, where water is propelled by ingenious design and gravity, not by modern pumps or technology. But Russia is not just Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia is also Goritza, a typical riverside peasant village, where you can break bread with an authentic local family. Russia's Uglich, Yaroslavl, and Kizhi, but most all of all, Russia is its people, old and young alike, who will impress you with their hospitality, humor, and generous spirit, their curiosity, intelligence, and their Slavic duše, or soul. The ship, refurbished in 2006, holds a maximum of 240 passengers, along with 100 crew members. Her cabins are clean and comfortable, featuring all lower berths, private bathrooms with showers, refrigerators, air conditioning and opening windows. Aboard all our ships, meals are served in our spacious panorama restaurants and night bars, and are complimented with a number of additional feasts and surprises. Blini and caviar tasting, tea parties, and vodka and champagne galore. After a full day of sightseeing, you can rest and relax in one of our elegant lounges, where a talented team of classical musicians, folklore dancers, and our live dance band will entertain you until the wee hours of the morning. After another day of sightseeing, the time will come to bid St. Petersburg goodbye, as you set sail on your Volga adventure. Enjoy our welcome cocktails and dinner, and then party away as our on-board entertainers enthrall you with their playing, singing, and dancing. Your first stop downstream will be at the delightful green station of Mondraga, where a typical 19th-century Russian village has been recreated. Here, you will see artisans at work and be able to purchase their creations. You will also have a chance to see the unique Vodka Museum, featuring over 2,500 versions of Russia's national drink. Then it's time to enjoy an authentic riverside barbecue with shashlik, wine, and special entertainment. Kizhi Island, one of the 1,650 island dotting the immense Lake Onega, is reminiscent of a fairy tale. The structures found on the island are authentic examples of traditional Russian wooden architecture from the turn of the century. The most spectacular is the Church of Transfiguration, whose 22 cupolas were constructed by Master Nestor without the use of a single nail. Back on board, it's time to take in one of our many cultural and entertainment activities. Enjoy a lecture on Russian history or Russian arts and souvenirs. Then, sit back and enjoy an on-board concert performed by our fabulous folklore ensemble. In the typical riverside village of Goritza, you will visit an authentic peasant house, where you will be welcomed and served delicious homemade food. The day will end with another treat, our on-board caviar and champagne party. Founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslavl the Wise, Yaroslavl is one of Russia's oldest cities. During the Middle Ages, it was a main training center and one of three Golden Ring Cities. Today, the Church of Elijah the Prophet boasts of some of the oldest original icons, dating back as far as the 13th century. It is also home to one of the most renowned a cappella choirs in all of Russia. The town of Uglich is closely linked to the darker side of Russian history. It is here that the 10-year-old crown Prince Dmitri, the youngest son of Ivan the Terrible, was murdered, which brought Boris Godunov to the throne and turmoil to the country. The day will end with a classic concert, preformed by two of Russia's most renowned classical musicians, who will fill the evening with romance and raw emotion. As you continue sailing towards Moscow, the evening is reserved for our Captain's Gala Dinner, featuring vodka, champagne, and entertainment. Then it's time for some silly fun and laughter at our talent show, where both passengers and staff get to strut their stuff. Like us on Facebook too: http://www.facebook.com/valuecruises

• published: 18 Dec 2012
• views: 3137