A Russian Odyssey
A cultural journey through the heartland of Russia from Moscow to St Petersburg with Guest Speaker Professor Ludmilla Selezneva aboard the MS Volga Dream
- 18 May 2020
Join us aboard the MS Volga Dream as we travel in comfort and style from the imposing city of Moscow to magnificent St Petersburg. Russia’s two most famous cities are also the greatest repositories of Russian art and architecture, Moscow, the Medieval and 20th century capital, has a wonderful heritage of early buildings while St Petersburg, the creation of Peter the Great, benefited from the inspiration of Europe’s greatest 18th century architects and craftsmen. We have allowed ample time in both cities to explore their riches and have arranged special early entrances to the Hermitage in St Petersburg and the Armoury in Moscow.
Our cruise in between the great cities of the Tsars includes rural interludes through the delightful Russian countryside to the magical Golden Ring cities of Holy Russia which still preserve their Medieval Kremlins, fortified monasteries and beautiful cathedrals and churches. In between the towns and villages we will sail past a rolling landscape of farms and silver birch woods dotted with villages and hamlets. The combination of history and art, together with the insight into modern Russia of today, makes for an in-depth and all-encompassing trip.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Volga Dream
The vast network of Russian waterways is served by numerous standard class vessels, however for our journeys along the Volga we are fortunate to be using the deluxe MS Volga Dream for our journeys along the mighty river. The elegant MS Volga Dream entered service during the spring of 2007 and was rebuilt from a 200 passenger vessel to accommodate just 100 passengers in an intimate setting. The result is a splendid and spacious vessel which offers the most superior accommodation and services on the route.
Itinerary
Day 1 London Heathrow to Moscow, Russia.
Fly by scheduled flight to Moscow. On arrival, transfer to the MS Volga Dream and embark.
Day 2 Moscow.
Begin your day with a tour of the Old Tretyakov gallery to view its extraordinary collection of Russian art, ranging from 12th century icons to 20th century paintings. Lunch will be in a local restaurant followed by an afternoon at leisure. Alternatively you may wish to join the optional tour to visit the fascinating Tolstoy House Museum, an authentic and atmospheric recreation, laden with original belongings and details that bring to life the long winters Tolstoy and his family spent here from 1881 to 1901. Return to the ship and enjoy the Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner on board this evening.
Day 3 Moscow.
This morning we plan an early visit to the Kremlin to see the Armoury Museum with its collection of Tsarist thrones, ceremonial crowns, coaches and gifts of state. Also visit the Square of Three Cathedrals (including entrance to one cathedral). After lunch in a local restaurant we continue our tour to see Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral (outside view) and the GUM department store. Return to the ship. This evening, for those who have pre-booked, there will be an optional evening of music ashore at Bolshoi Theatre or similar (subject to schedules and ticket availability).
Day 4 Moscow.
Today we take a trip see the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and the beautiful Novodevichiy Cemetery. The cemetery holds the tombs of notable Russian authors, musicians, playwrights, and poets, as well as political leaders and scientists. After lunch in a local restaurant either enjoy an afternoon at leisure or join our optional guided tour of the Moscow Metro, where you can experience some of the most beautiful metro stations in the world.
Day 5 Uglich.
We arrive this afternoon in Uglich, dating back to the 10th century. A walking tour of this Golden Ring city includes the Chapel of Dimitry, a 17th century treasure built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s 10 year old son met his death. Visit the Church of the Transfiguration, noted for its beautiful iconostasis, and attend a concert of choral music.
Day 6 Yaroslavl.
This morning we visit the oldest city on the Volga River, Yaroslavl, a World Heritage Site. Visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Continue on to the Governor’s Palace, a living museum of Russian art, history and culture where we will be treated to a stirring a capella choir performance. Afterwards there will be time to experience the lively farm market before returning to the MS Volga Dream.
Day 7 Goritsy.
Early this morning we cross Lake Beloye, or the White Lake, formerly known as the “Tsar’s fishing grounds”. Arrive in the peaceful village of Goritsy to tour the fortress-like Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery with magnificent frescoes by one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. Return to the ship for a late lunch and sail.
Day 8 Kizhi.
This afternoon we explore the tiny, picturesque island of Kizhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Lake Onega. The open-air Museum of Architecture includes the Church of the Transfiguration, a unique onion-domed masterpiece built without a single metal nail and resembling something out of a Russian fairy tale.
Day 9 Svir River & Island of Svirstroy.
Be on the deck as we navigate the Svir River toward Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest freshwater lake, past a shoreline dotted with graceful willows, alder trees and stately pines. Step ashore for a visit to the village of Svirstroy to experience daily life in this peaceful rural hamlet.
Day 10 St Petersburg.
We will begin today at the meticulously restored Peterhof, St Petersburg’s most famous and spectacular Imperial estate, often cited as the “Versailles of Russia”. Visit one of the small cottages and stroll in the vast Lower Park with its 176 fountains of various forms and styles, four cascades, and numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes. We will take a hydrofoil to a local restaurant for lunch before either enjoying an afternoon at leisure or a wonderful optional visit to both the Peter and Paul Fortress and St Isaac’s Cathedral. Return to the vessel for a leisurely evening and dinner on board.
Day 11 St Petersburg.
This morning we visit the famed Hermitage Museum where an early entrance has been arranged to avoid the crowds. This former residence of the Russian Tsars has 400 rooms and contains spectacular examples of nearly all schools of Western art. Proceed to the Gold Room of the Hermitage (subject to permission) to see the amazing collection of Scythian gold. We will have lunch in a local restaurant and then in the afternoon we will visit the fascinating Fabergé Museum at Shuvalov Palace. Afterwards, for those who have pre-booked, there will be an optional music evening ashore at the Mariinsky Theatre or similar (subject to schedules and availability).
Day 12 St Petersburg.
This morning drive to Tsar’s Village for a specially arranged visit to Catherine Palace. See the exquisitely restored Amber Room and stroll in the formal gardens. Lunch will be in a local restaurant followed by an afternoon at leisure. Alternatively, you may like to join the optional tour to see the magnificent Yusupov Palace, once the residence of the wealthiest and most respected family in Imperial Russia, which saw one of the most dramatic episodes in Russia’s history – the murder of Grigory Rasputin. This evening enjoy the farewell dinner on board.
Day 13 St Petersburg to London Gatwick.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight to London.
NB: The order of included activities in St Petersburg and Moscow may vary to the itinerary shown and all excursions, music events and performance days are subject to change depending on availability, schedules and entrance times to venues. Details of music programmes and prices will be available approximately two months prior to departure, full information will be sent as soon as received by our Russian agents. Ports and itinerary are subject to change.
Dates and Prices
18 to 30 May 2020 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Standard twin - Cabin Deck | £4695 | £4495 |
Superior twin - Main Deck | £5195 | £4995 |
Deluxe double - Promenade Deck | £5495 | £5195 |
Junior Suite double - Promenade/Sun Deck | £5795 | £5495 |
Superior stateroom twin - Sun Deck | £6295 | £5895 |
Deluxe Junior Suite Double | £6595 | £6195 |
Owner's Stateroom double - Promenade Deck | £7395 | £6995 |
Standard Single - Promenade Deck | £4895 | £4695 |
Deluxe single - Sun Deck | £5195 | £4995 |
Standard twin for sole occupancy - Cabin Deck | £8295 | £8095 |
Deluxe double for sole occupancy - Promenade Deck | £9495 | £9295 |
Tour Reference Code: RCVD180520
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 12 nights aboard the MS Volga Dream on full board basis • House wine & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Tour Manager • Guest Speaker • Transfers • Welcome bottle of champagne (deluxe cabins and suites only) • Port taxes • UK airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Russian visa, optional tours and musical evenings ashore as described.
Important Visa Information: A visa is required for Russia and Noble Caledonia will provide all supporting documentation needed although the process to apply for the visa cannot be started until three months before departure and in some instances can take up to six weeks. To obtain a Russian visa it will be necessary for passengers to attend application centres in London, Manchester or Edinburgh. This information is correct at the time of printing and should the information change, we will be in touch with booked passengers with updated guidelines.
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All Decks
Volga Dream
The vast network of Russian waterways is served by numerous standard class vessels, however for our journeys along the Volga we are fortunate to be using the deluxe MS Volga Dream for our journeys along the mighty river. The elegant MS Volga Dream entered service during the spring of 2007 and was rebuilt from a 200 passenger vessel to accommodate just 100 passengers in an intimate setting. The result is a splendid and spacious vessel which offers the most superior accommodation and services on the route.
Travelling with You
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Ludmilla Selezneva
Professor Ludmilla is a graduate with honours from Rostov State University and received her first doctorate there, in history, in 1982. She attained her second doctorate in 1996 from the Russian State University of Humanities in Moscow. Since 2001, Ludmilla Selezneva has worked as a professor of history and politics at the University of the Humanitarian Education in Moscow.
Professor Selezneva has published more than 50 articles and authored or co-authored 10 books. She is a well-recognised authority on 20th century Russia, the Russian political movements and parties, and the modern political history. Speaking tours have taken her universities, schools, and business conferences, local communities in UK (London, Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh.), USA, Canada, Netherlands, France, and Austria.
Ludmilla Selezneva will be on the following tour dates: 18 to 30 May 2020
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000