“…a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma”
- Winston Churchill was describing the Soviet Union in 1939
Russia
Russia is a vast country. Almost twice the size of the United States, it covers a total of eleven
time zones! Any traveler to Russia must make some decisions about what to see first and about how
much one can realistically visit on any one trip. Most visitors begin with a tour of Moscow and St.
Petersburg, often taking the famous overnight train, the Red Arrow, between the two. Also high on any
traveler’s list of sights should be a visit to the “Golden Ring.” This circle of cities and towns
situated around Moscow has historically played an important role in Russia’s cultural and political
life; it includes
Vladimir, Suzdal, and Yaroslavl, among others.
Here, time has stood still for hundreds of years.
A popular way to see Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the historical small towns and villages in between
is on a Volga River cruise.
Moscow is the largest and most important city in Russia today. It is the capital of the Russian Federation as well as the capital of the former Soviet Union. For all these reasons and more, it is hard to imagine beginning a visit to Russia anywhere else. Moscow is not the country’s most beautiful city but the Kremlin, Red Square, and St. Basil’s Cathedral still remain beautiful symbols of Russia itself. An important part of every Russian’s life is a
regular visit to the banya, or bath house. Here many spa services are also enjoyed.
Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, St. Petersburg was the first European city to be built according to a preconceived plan. The city was built on swampy land won in battle from the Swedes. Peter wanted his city to be a “Window on the West” and ordered the citizens to shed their feudal chains. St. Petersburg architecture is reminiscent of Paris, Vienna, and Berlin. It is often called the “Venice of the North” because of its many canals and bridges. The city abounds with the history of Peter the Great. The Hermitage, Peter and Paul Fortress,
St. Isaac’s Cathedral are as imposing as was the 6 foot 7 inch giant Czar!
Side trips from the city should include visits to the Peterhof Palace and the Catherine Palace.
WATERWAYS OF THE CZARS
13 daysSail aboard the deluxe Viking Pakhomov, Viking Kirov or Viking Surkov. Russian has been blessed with numerous rivers, lakes and inland seas that serve as natural highways. With the addition of man-made canals, you can now travel for great distances - from the remote forests of Kareliya to Moscow, St. Petersburg and beyond. Visit modern cities and fortified monasteries that dot the countryside. See the grand monuments and opulent palaces of the czars and browse the extraordinary treasures of the Kremlin and the Hermitage. Included highlights are:
- 10 or 11 nights aboard one of the deluxe ships in outside cabins
- All onboard meals including a Welcome Dinner and a Captain's Farewell Dinner
- Welcome Cocktail Reception
- Daily shore excursions and Old World Highlights: port lectures, traditional samovar demonstration and tea tasting, and a lecture on the cultural history of Imperial Russia and Russian architecture
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE COSSACKS
16 daysSail aboard the deluxe Viking Lavrinenkov. The roots of all Russian history began when Vikings, called Rus, arrived, conquered the local Slavic tribes, forayed into Byzantium and returned with Christianity. The powerful Kievan State spread its influence north into Russia and reigned supreme until Genghis Khan's Golden Horde poured out of Asia, conquering all in its path. Then the legendary Cossacks once again established a powerful Ukrainian state. Discover the sweeping history as you cruise along the Dnieper River from Kiev to the Black Sea, exploring the ancient cities and grand monuments of this proud nation. Included highlights are:
- 14 nights aboard the deluxe Viking Lavrinenkov in outside cabins
- All onboard meals including a Welcome Dinner and a Captain's Farewell Dinner
- Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Reception
- Daily shore excursions and Old World Highlights: port lectures, Cossack horsemanship show and demonstration, lecture on the cultural history of the Ukrainian people and Tatar-Muslim architecture
