Astrakhan to St. Petersburg
19 days – 18 nights
Board the Ms Volga Dream for her new 2022 'Russian Odyssey' tour, a unique and extended 'South to North' view of Russia from Astrakhan all the way from the Volga River Delta on the Caspian Sea to St. Petersburg. The trip includes two days in Moscow and 12 beautiful Russian towns each with their own architecture and traditions dating back over the centuries. Fall in love with Russia's unique and inspiring natural countryside.
Day by Day
Day 1 Astrakhan 
Airport transfer / Check-in aboard MS Volga Dream
Upon arrival in Astrakhan, you will transfer to the docked deluxe MS Volga Dream. After settling into your cabin, spend the rest of the day relaxing after your flight or exploring Astrakhan on your own. A traditional Russian welcome aboard ceremony with Bread, Salt and Vodka, will officially welcome you to the start of your journey. This will be followed by a welcome cocktail with the captain, a great opportunity to meet the crew and fellow travellers.
Volga dream experience: Bread, Salt & Vodka Welcome Aboard Ceremony
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Astrakhan 
Visit a midieval city fortress / Black caviar degustation / Concert in a local Conservatory
The morning begins with a tour of a local fortress built during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. After lunch an optional and fascinating lecture on the famed and much coveted black caviar, followed by a private tasting of this most precious delicacy.
Volga dream experience: Concert in a local Conservatory
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Sailing Day 
Day of leisure
A relaxing day of leisure as Volga Dream continues its gentle voyage along the picturesque Volga river. The Sun Deck provides a glorious and ever-changing view as we pass small villages, provincial towns, churches, and monasteries. This is an area that flourished for centuries thanks to the large volume of trade along the Volga.
Our guest speaker presents an entertaining and informative lecture on the history and traditions of the places we pass.
Our guest speaker presents an entertaining and informative lecture on the history and traditions of the places we pass.
Volga dream experience: Barbeque on the Sun Deck
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Volgograd 
Mamayev Hill / Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum
Presently known as Volgograd, this remarkable city has in fact had three name changes in its tumultuous history.
Originally named as Tsaritsyn, this fortified city was used to defend the unstable southern border of the Tsardom of Russia from 1589.
Becoming the site of many epic battles during the Russian Revolution, the city was later renamed Stalingrad and was known as such between 1925 and 1961. This was done to commemorate Stalin's role in the successful defence against the White Movement.
The city is however, most famous for the people’s heroic defence of the area during World War II - which was eventually destined to become the place of a decisive battle on the eastern front.
During our stop in Volgograd, we will visit the imposing memorial on Mamayev Hill - which saw the bloodiest fighting of the war, and also pay a visit to the Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.
Originally named as Tsaritsyn, this fortified city was used to defend the unstable southern border of the Tsardom of Russia from 1589.
Becoming the site of many epic battles during the Russian Revolution, the city was later renamed Stalingrad and was known as such between 1925 and 1961. This was done to commemorate Stalin's role in the successful defence against the White Movement.
The city is however, most famous for the people’s heroic defence of the area during World War II - which was eventually destined to become the place of a decisive battle on the eastern front.
During our stop in Volgograd, we will visit the imposing memorial on Mamayev Hill - which saw the bloodiest fighting of the war, and also pay a visit to the Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.
Volga dream experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony & Russian Cooking Class
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Saratov 
City tour / Radishev State Art Museum
Once home to a large German community, Saratov is better known today for its connections to the first man in space - Yuri Gagarin, who lived and studied in the city. Our city tour takes us to the Radishev State Art Museum, at the time of its conception the first Russian art gallery outside of St. Petersburg or Moscow.
Volga dream experience: Piano Concert – pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Samara 
City tour / Space Museum / Samara State Art Museum
Enjoy relaxation on the Sun Deck as we sail past the Zhigulevskie mountains towards the city of Samara.This ancient city founded in 1586 is now the centre of the aviation and aerospace industry and is one of the oldest cities on the Volga river.
We begin our stop in Samara with a city tour, which includes a visit to the space museum. Then relax as we stroll along the Volga esplanade towards the Samara State Art Museum.
We begin our stop in Samara with a city tour, which includes a visit to the space museum. Then relax as we stroll along the Volga esplanade towards the Samara State Art Museum.
Volga dream experience: Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Kazan 
City tour / Kazan Kremlin / Kul-Sherif Mosque / Concert of traditional Tatar music
Today we arrive in Kazan, the second biggest city on the Volga River. One can notice that familiar Christian churches no longer dominate on shore landscapes. Instead, beautiful Muslim mosques begin to appear as we cruise across the border into the Republic of Tatarstan.
We will leave the Volga Dream for a while to explore Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan and the cultural centre of Volga Tatars. The white-walled Kazan Kremlin is where the famous Kul-Sharif mosque stands side by side with the ancient Peter and Paul Cathedral. Later in the day, a local ensemble will delight us with a concert of traditional Tatar music.
We will leave the Volga Dream for a while to explore Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan and the cultural centre of Volga Tatars. The white-walled Kazan Kremlin is where the famous Kul-Sharif mosque stands side by side with the ancient Peter and Paul Cathedral. Later in the day, a local ensemble will delight us with a concert of traditional Tatar music.
Volga dream experience: -
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Nizhniy Novgorod 
City tour / XVIth-century Kremlin / Folk concert
Nizhniy Novgorod (formerly Gorkiy), once a wealthy commercial center poised on the important trade routes to the East, became a closed city due to military activity during the Soviet era. Re-opened in 1991 for visiting, we can now discover this magnificent city - hearing more about its history as a place of exile for political prisoners. Walk the ramparts of the XVIth-century Kremlin with its spectacular views, and visit elaborately painted churches adorned with gold onion domes and spectacular paintings. The evening’s highlight is a folk concert presented by a local children’s group.
Volga dream experience: -
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Sailing Day
Leisure Day
A relaxing day of leisure as Volga Dream continues its gentle voyage along the picturesque Volga river. The Sun Deck provides a glorious and ever-changing view as we pass small villages, provincial towns, churches, and monasteries. This is an area that flourished for centuries thanks to the large volume of trade along the Volga.
Our guest speaker presents an entertaining and informative lecture on the history and traditions of the places we pass.
Our guest speaker presents an entertaining and informative lecture on the history and traditions of the places we pass.
Volga dream experience: -
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Yaroslavl 
City Tour / Governor’s house
Founded in 1010, Yaroslavl is one of central Russia’s oldest cities and boasts the Volga’s first port. With plenty to see, this town will intrigue and inspire. The Spassky Monastery houses the Transfiguration of the Savior and the Church of Elijah the Prophet and an impressive collection of mosaics. Take part in a costumed reception at the governor’s house before re-boarding the MS Volga Dream in time for lunch.
Volga dream experience: -
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Uglich 
Town of Uglich / Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood
After a full day of cruising through idyllic forested countryside, we anchor at the ancient trading town of Uglich, a key point in Russia’s renowned ‘Golden Ring’. Explore the impressive Church of St. Dimitri-on-the-Blood, erected on the site of Ivan The Terrible son's Dmitry murder. To end the day, attend an enchanting choral music concert performed in St. John’s Church.
Volga dream experience: -
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 Moscow 
Tverskaya Street, Lubyanka Square, Kremlin embankment, Cathedral of Christ the Savior , Novodevichy Cemetery, Novodevichy convent & Moscow Metro Tour.
We begin day 12 in Russia’s capital - Moscow, home to a diverse population of nearly 12 million people. This ever evolving city is a must see for both first time and repeat visitors to Russia. After a filling lunch, we begin with an orientation tour of the city.
The orientation tour includes the magnificent Red Square and its famous landmarks. We drive by the Cathedral of Christ the Savior — one of Russia's most important cathedrals, demolished in the time of Stalin and fully restored in 1990.
Then we head for the famous Novodevichy Cemetery — the nation’s honored ground and final resting place for Russia's most renowned and influential people throughout history. Among them are noted Russian authors, musicians, playwrights and poets alongside famous actors, political leaders and scientists.
The tour continues in the spectacular Moscow Metro, famed for its architectural splendour. One of the USSR’s most pioneering projects – the Metro houses designs, statues and elements from Soviet Russia, and is truly akin to stepping back in time. A must-see during your visit to Moscow, and a tourist attraction in itself.
Late afternoon check-in at the five-star Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel ***** for two nights.
The orientation tour includes the magnificent Red Square and its famous landmarks. We drive by the Cathedral of Christ the Savior — one of Russia's most important cathedrals, demolished in the time of Stalin and fully restored in 1990.
Then we head for the famous Novodevichy Cemetery — the nation’s honored ground and final resting place for Russia's most renowned and influential people throughout history. Among them are noted Russian authors, musicians, playwrights and poets alongside famous actors, political leaders and scientists.
The tour continues in the spectacular Moscow Metro, famed for its architectural splendour. One of the USSR’s most pioneering projects – the Metro houses designs, statues and elements from Soviet Russia, and is truly akin to stepping back in time. A must-see during your visit to Moscow, and a tourist attraction in itself.
Late afternoon check-in at the five-star Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel ***** for two nights.
Volga dream experience: -
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13 Moscow 
the Kremlin complex, Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals, the Armory, Red Square walking tour, St. Basil’s Cathedral, GUM Department Store and Tretyakov gallery
After your 5-star hotel breakfast, the morning starts with a stroll through the famous Moscow Kremlin with its beautiful cathedrals and unique museums. The excursion also takes you to the beautifully frescoed 15th-century Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals.
You will then proceed with a tour of The Armory Museum. This famous museum hosts an impressive collection of opulent coronation finery, hand-forged Armor and ancient weapons, royal carriages and sleighs. Next are the magnificent Red Square and its famous landmarks — notably the iconic St. Basil's cathedral (outside), a colourful multi-domed complex whose architects were supposedly blinded by Ivan the Terrible so that they would never again be able to recreate such splendour.
After a delicious lunch in one of our personal favourite restaurants, you will visit the Tretyakov Art Gallery — an extensive museum complex that houses the largest collection of Russian fine art – with examples from medieval icons to 19th Century “Golden Age” masterpieces. The gallery was established in 1856 and is now frequented by over a million visitors per year.
The rest of the day is left open for independent city touring. We recommend that you take a stroll to the new Zaryadye Park - walking distance from the Red Square.
Stay the night at the five-star Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel *****
You will then proceed with a tour of The Armory Museum. This famous museum hosts an impressive collection of opulent coronation finery, hand-forged Armor and ancient weapons, royal carriages and sleighs. Next are the magnificent Red Square and its famous landmarks — notably the iconic St. Basil's cathedral (outside), a colourful multi-domed complex whose architects were supposedly blinded by Ivan the Terrible so that they would never again be able to recreate such splendour.
After a delicious lunch in one of our personal favourite restaurants, you will visit the Tretyakov Art Gallery — an extensive museum complex that houses the largest collection of Russian fine art – with examples from medieval icons to 19th Century “Golden Age” masterpieces. The gallery was established in 1856 and is now frequented by over a million visitors per year.
The rest of the day is left open for independent city touring. We recommend that you take a stroll to the new Zaryadye Park - walking distance from the Red Square.
Stay the night at the five-star Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel *****
Volga dream experience: -
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14 Sergiev Posad 
Holy Trinity Lavra, Transfer to Uglich
After breakfast at the hotel, have your luggage packed for a comfortable and scenic bus transfer to Uglich city, to board MS Volga Dream and continue the cruise.
On the journey, we will take a stop at the charming ancient town of Sergiev Posad to go on a special guided city tour. The excursion is provided by one of the local monks who serve in the famous city monastery. On the tour you will visit the spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church - the Holy Trinity Lavra of St.Sergius and its many architectural wonders, including the majestic Trinity Cathedral and unique Dukhovskaya church. Being protected by UNESCO, the Holy Trinity Lavra of St.Sergius and its cathedrals will impress with their immaculate and carefully preserved decorations and fascinating history.
After completing the tour of Sergiev Posad, we will continue our bus journey to Uglich to board MS Volga Dream. Once onboard, enjoy a delicious dinner as we continue onward to our next destination
On the journey, we will take a stop at the charming ancient town of Sergiev Posad to go on a special guided city tour. The excursion is provided by one of the local monks who serve in the famous city monastery. On the tour you will visit the spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church - the Holy Trinity Lavra of St.Sergius and its many architectural wonders, including the majestic Trinity Cathedral and unique Dukhovskaya church. Being protected by UNESCO, the Holy Trinity Lavra of St.Sergius and its cathedrals will impress with their immaculate and carefully preserved decorations and fascinating history.
After completing the tour of Sergiev Posad, we will continue our bus journey to Uglich to board MS Volga Dream. Once onboard, enjoy a delicious dinner as we continue onward to our next destination
Volga dream experience: -
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 Yaroslavl
Alternative sightseeing for repeated visitors
Alternative sightseeing for repeated visitors
Volga dream experience: -
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 Goritsy 
Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery
In this authentic Russian settlement, we visit the unique Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded in 1397, and home to one of the world’s finest collections of Russian icons. After a guided tour of this important landmark, we continue cruising towards the majestic Lake Onega.
Volga dream experience: Barbeque on the open deck
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17 Kizhi 
Kizhi Island / Lake Onega
Karelia is a region that must be seen to be believed. Its vast and diverse wilderness of forest and water spans all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle. The famous Lake Onega is fed by an incredible 58 rivers and is home to 1,369 islands. Our tour will take you to perhaps one of the most visually stunning of these islands - Kizhi. This unique island is known for its quaint collection of ancient wooden houses and windmills. One of the more famous architectural sights of Kizhi Island is the remarkable Transfiguration church, that was built in 1714 without a single nail being used in its construction.
Volga dream experience: Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18 Svirstroy 
Svirstroy village / Local resident’s home / Local primary school
The start of your voyage will begin in the traditional and authentic town of Svirstroy. The highlight of your day in Svirstroy is being invited into a local resident’s home where warm and welcoming villagers will offer tea with jam and “pirozhki” (local pies). They will enthusiastically educate you on our Russian traditions, lifestyle and the attractions of Svirstroy village, while proudly showing off their homes and kitchen gardens. After tea, hop on our bus to tour the nearby town, see a spectacular WWII memorial and visit a local primary school.
Volga dream experience: Farewell dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19 St. Petersburg 
Check-out / Airport transfer
To conclude your memorable 18-day Russian experience - after an inclusive breakfast, you will check-out from your cabin, and we will transfer you to the airport - ready for your flight to your next chosen destination.
Volga dream experience: -
Meals: Breakfast
Pricing
The rates are set for a cruising season. The price is not dependent on the month within a selected year
Choose Staterooms
All prices are per person based on double occupancy.
All rates are per person, based on double occupancy.
Actual size of cabins can slightly differ within one category.