The Glories of Russia
Cruise the historic Volga from St Petersburg to Moscow including exclusive cultural and music highlights with London Festival Opera & Guest Speaker Professor Ludmilla Selezneva aboard the MS Volga Dream
- 12 September 2020
Travel with us aboard the luxurious MS Volga Dream on this exclusive charter that promises to be a truly inspiring journey in Russia’s heartland, with its rich cultural heritage, wonderful architecture and dramatic history. We begin in St Petersburg, one of the world’s most beautiful cities and cruise to Moscow, a city full of contrasts and energy. Whilst cruising between Russia’s two greatest cities we will travel through quieter rural landscapes and also visit unique Uglich, Yaroslavl and Kizhi. This is an enchanting voyage through a land that has inspired so many writers and musicians over the centuries.
We have arranged for some memorable excursions for our journey along the Volga including specially arranged early entrances to the Hermitage and the Armoury Museum at the Kremlin, and to further enhance the journey we will be accompanied by London Festival Opera who will perform a selection of wonderful Russian repertoires. Our Guest Speaker, Ludmilla Selezneva will complete the experience with fascinating talks on all things Russian, especially its history and peoples.
With such a wealth of the arts, history and architecture, a journey to Russia can be a challenge to plan. However, the beauty of this trip is that over the course of only 13 days you will have gained a vast amount of knowledge in the most comfortable means possible. The excursions ashore, talks by Ludmilla and music performances by London Festival Opera will provide you with a unique insight into Russian life, both past and present, and altogether make for an unforgettable 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.
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London Festival Opera
Performances
We are delighted to be joined by London Festival Opera who bring together artists from the major British opera companies including the Royal Opera House, English National Opera and Glyndebourne Festival Opera. The company has a considerable reputation and has appeared in some of the world’s leading opera houses. Artistic Director, Philip Blake-Jones will provide a comprehensive programme during our time sailing and whilst moored, the repertoire planned being as follows:
• ‘Soirée d’Opéra’: Featuring the operas of Mozart, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saëns & Bizet
• ‘Opera Gala ‘: Arias & ensembles from the works of Verdi, Offenbach, Tchaikovsky & Puccini
• ‘Russian Gala’: Featuring highlights from Tchaikovsky’s ‘Eugene Onegin’ & songs by Rachmaninov & Shostakovich. The artists will appear in costume for this performance
• ‘Farewell Opera Gala’: Featuring the works of Mozart, Donizetti, Verdi, Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninov
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 to St Petersburg, Russia.
Fly by scheduled flight and on arrival transfer to the MS Volga Dream for embarkation. Meet your fellow travellers this evening at the welcome drinks and dinner on board.
Day 2 St Petersburg.
This morning we visit the famed Hermitage Museum, where we have an early entrance allowing us to enjoy the masterpieces away from the crowds. This former residence of the Russian Tsars has 400 rooms and contains spectacular examples of nearly all schools of Western art. We hope to be given the opportunity to proceed to the Gold Room of the Hermitage (subject to permission), which is closed to the general public, to see the amazing collection of Scythian gold. We will then enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and this afternoon will visit the wonderful Fabergé Museum at Shuvalov Palace. This beautiful museum contains the world’s largest collection of works by Carl Fabergé, including nine of the famous Imperial Easter Eggs, regarded not only as the finest jewelled works of art, but also as unique historical artefacts. The museum’s collection also includes decorative and applied works made by the Russian masters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Return to the ship and after dinner this evening enjoy an onboard performance by London Festival Opera.
Day 3 St Petersburg.
This morning drive to Tsar’s Village for a visit to Catherine Palace. See the exquisitely restored Amber Room and stroll in the formal gardens. We will have lunch in a local restaurant, followed by an afternoon to relax and enjoy St Petersburg independently. This evening, for those who have pre-booked, there will be an optional musical evening ashore at Mariinsky Theatre or similar (subject to schedules and availability).
Day 4 St Petersburg.
We 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. Afterwards, return to St Petersburg by hydrofoil where we will have lunch in a local restaurant followed by an afternoon at leisure. Alternatively, you may wish to join our optional visit to 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. Return to the ship this evening for our sailing.
Day 5 Svirstroy & The Svir River.
This morning step ashore for a brief visit to the peaceful village of Svirstroy to experience daily life in this typical rural hamlet. Continue cruising 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. This afternoon enjoy a second performance by London Festival Opera on board.
Day 6 Kizhi.
Today we explore the tiny, picturesque island of Kizhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Lake Onega. The open-air Museum of Architecture includes the Church of the Transfiguration, a unique oniondomed masterpiece built without a single metal nail and resembling something out of a Russian fairy tale.
Day 7 Goritsy.
Today 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.
Day 8 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. This evening London Festival Opera will perform on board.
Day 9 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 10 Moscow.
Our first excursion in Russia’s capital city will be to see Red Square, with its iconic St Basil’s Cathedral and GUM department store. After lunch, the afternoon will be at leisure or you may wish to join our optional guided tour of the Moscow Metro, where you can experience some of the most beautiful metro stations in the world.
Day 11 Moscow.
This morning we depart for 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 will continue with a guided tour visiting the Old Tretyakov gallery, to view its extraordinary collection of Russian art, ranging from 12th century icons to 20th century paintings. Return to the ship and this evening, for those who have pre-booked, there will be an optional evening of music ashore at the Bolshoi Theatre or similar (subject to schedules and availability).
Day 12 Moscow.
This morning we take a trip to see the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and the fascinating Novodevichy 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 the afternoon is at leisure, or you may like to join an optional excursion to the Pushkin Museum, the largest museum of European art in Moscow and home to top works by Van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso and Matisse. This evening enjoy the farewell dinner on board followed by a final highlight performance by London Festival Opera.
Day 13 Moscow to London.
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
12 to 24 September 2020 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Standard twin - Cabin Deck | £5195 | £4995 |
Superior twin - Main Deck | £5695 | £5495 |
Deluxe double - Promenade Deck | £5995 | £5695 |
Junior Suite double - Promenade/Sun Deck | £6295 | £5995 |
Superior stateroom twin - Sun Deck | £6795 | £6395 |
Deluxe Junior Suite Double | £7095 | £6695 |
Owner's Stateroom double - Promenade Deck | £7895 | £7495 |
Standard Single - Promenade Deck | £5295 | £5095 |
Deluxe single - Sun Deck | £5595 | £5395 |
Standard twin for sole occupancy - Cabin Deck | £8395 | £8195 |
Deluxe double for sole occupancy - Promenade Deck | £9595 | £9395 |
Tour Reference Code: RCVD120920
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 • Music performances on board the ship • 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.
London Festival Opera
Performances
We are delighted to be joined by London Festival Opera who bring together artists from the major British opera companies including the Royal Opera House, English National Opera and Glyndebourne Festival Opera. The company has a considerable reputation and has appeared in some of the world’s leading opera houses. Artistic Director, Philip Blake-Jones will provide a comprehensive programme during our time sailing and whilst moored, the repertoire planned being as follows:
• ‘Soirée d’Opéra’: Featuring the operas of Mozart, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saëns & Bizet
• ‘Opera Gala ‘: Arias & ensembles from the works of Verdi, Offenbach, Tchaikovsky & Puccini
• ‘Russian Gala’: Featuring highlights from Tchaikovsky’s ‘Eugene Onegin’ & songs by Rachmaninov & Shostakovich. The artists will appear in costume for this performance
• ‘Farewell Opera Gala’: Featuring the works of Mozart, Donizetti, Verdi, Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninov

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: 12 to 24 September 2020 -
London Festival Opera
We are delighted to be joined by London Festival Opera on many of our tours and cruises. We have long been associated with London Festival Opera and each year our music themed cruises grow in popularity. London Festival Opera have achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera in palaces, castles, country houses, theatres, concert halls, embassies and private homes and gardens. Recent engagements have been throughout the UK, Europe and as far afield as Barbados, Marrakech and Moscow.
Particular attention is given to the design and quality of our costumes which are as authentic as possible. Whether it is a period evening dress, such as Regency or Victorian to enhance a gala performance or a full production, the costumes will be of the highest quality and style.
Bringing together artists from the major British opera companies including the Royal Opera, English National Opera and Glyndebourne Festival Opera, the company has a considerable reputation and has appeared in some of the world's leading venues including as a guest company in one of the Italy's greatest opera houses, La Fenice in Venice.
London Festival Opera will be on the following tour dates: 12 to 24 September 2020
Also of Interest
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000