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Russia River Cruise aboard the MS Nikolai Chernyshevsky

Moscow and St Petersburg route river cruises aboard the MS Nikolai Chernyshevsky in 2011

St Petersburg to Moscow (10 nights) or Moscow to St Petersburg (11 nights)

Overview

Make your dream visit to Russia a reality, with our high quality guaranteed river cruises. Travel by the river cruiser MS Nikolai Chernyshevsky along the rivers, lakes and canals of Russia, between St Petersburg and Moscow. This is undoubtedly one of the best ways to view the fascinating sights of these two great cities and to discover the spectacular interiors of Russia.

MS Nikolai Chernyshevsky

View our video presentation of the MS Nikolay Chernyshevsky (external link)

Cruise Testimonials

We just returned from our trip St. Peterburg - Moscow by boat. (17 - 27.7)

It was really a beautiful voyage and we enjoyed it so much. The crew is kind attentive and very cooperative. The food is very good.

Your Alex is a hell of a guy and we enjoyed his company and guidance and so is his colleague Zoya.

We take this opportunity to thank you for your good handling of our trip. We shall certainly recommend this trip to our friends.

Best regards, SR and PR

Itinerary of Moscow to St Petersburg Cruise

Day One

Traditional Bread and Salt WelcomeCruise Representative Alexander

Arrive in Moscow. You can pre-book a transfer from airport or rail station to the MS Chernyshevsky, your home for the next 11 nights. Upon arrival there will be an information briefing on board. Enjoy your first evening aboard with dinner, accompanied by live piano music.

Our on-board representative Alexander has been hugely popular this year, arranging all the transportation, excursions and dealing with all issues calmly and with good humour, getting excellent reports from all passengers. Alexander will be joining us again for 2011 season. Alexander is available to customers at all times and he's there to ensure your cruise is as successful as it can be!

Day Two

St Basil's Cathedral, Moscow

After breakfast on board, begin your discovery of the capital city of Russia. Take in some of the iconic sights such as Red Square with St Basil's cathedral and the famous red brick walls of the Kremlin. The tour will also pass by the Novodevichy Convent and will stop at Sparrow Hills to allow panoramic views over Moscow. Enjoy lunch in a city centre restaurant before returning to the MS Nikolai Chernyshevsky. An optional excursion is available later to see the famous Russian Circus. Dinner on board.

Day Three

The Kremlin, Moscow

After breakfast this morning, explore within the Kremlin walls to see the former residence of the Russian Tsars, discover the huge Tsar's Cannon and Bell and visit one of the magnificent cathedrals housed within Cathedral Square. Return to the ship for lunch as the ship sets sail. There will be some safety training during the afternoon cruising before a welcome dinner and cocktail. After dinner, take part in the Getting to Know You Show.

Day Four

Uglich

After breakfast on board the MS Nikolai Chernyshevsky, morning activities will include a lesson on Russian traditional crafts, a Russian language lesson and Russian songs. After lunch, visit the town of Uglich on the Volga River, first documented in 1148. The towns historical significance is due to the suspicious death of Dmitry Ivanov, son of Ivan the Terrible. Dmitry was exiled to Uglich after his fathers death in 1584 but was found dead in questionable circumstances seven years later. The Church of St Dmitry on the Blood, built in his memory, appears on the horizon as the ship sails towards the town and is one of the great sights to be seen in Uglich. The visit also includes a walking tour of the town, a visit to the territory of the Kremlin and the Transfiguration cathedral. Return to the ship to continue sailing along the Volga River. Dinner on board will be followed by a folk concert.

Day Five

Yaroslavl

After breakfast, disembark for an excursion to the ancient city of Yaroslavl, founded in 1010 by Yaroslav Mudri (Yaroslav the Wise). Enjoy a visit to the Fine Arts Museum, situated in the former Governor's House, as well as visiting the main sights of the city in a panoramic bus tour. There will be time to visit the Church of St Nicholas the Wonderworker, built in 1620 and to have some free time exploring the local markets. Return to the boat before setting sail and enjoying lunch as you cruise. During the course of the afternoon, listen to a Classical concert, enjoy a Russian Tea Party and take part in the dance class.

Day Six

Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery

Learn some new skills this morning in the Matroyshka painting lesson before lunch. After lunch disembark for a shore excursion to Goritsy, a tiny village settlement on the edge of the White Lake. The main attractions in Goritsy are the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery and the Goritsy Nunnery. The Monastery was founded in 1397 and is an impressive ensemble of priories, churches and historical references. The Goritsy Nunnery is much smaller than the Monastery and was founded later in 1544. Return to the MS Nikolai Chernyshevsky ready to set sail.

Day Seven

Kizhi Wooden Church

Activities this morning will include a classical concert, a Russian language lesson, a Captain's Bridge tour and a demonstration of Russian National costume before enjoying lunch. Disembark to visit the Island of Kizhi located in Lake Onega. The island has been made famous by its collection of wooden churches with the centrepiece, the 22 domed Church of the Transfiguration, built completely without the use of nails. The Island has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the highlight of any Russian river cruise. Return to the boat before setting sail for the evening (Please note, due to weather conditions early in the year, the 3rd May departure cruise does not visit the Island of Kizhi). Dinner tonight will be Pirate themed, followed by a Gala concert.

Day Eight

Russian dollsChernyshevsky Bar

Route information and a Q and A session will take place this morning before enjoying a visit to the historical village of Mandrogui, located to the north of St Petersburg on the shores of the River Svir. The village is a representation of traditional Russian life with wooden buildings, a vodka museum and craft centre. Visitors can also see local recipes being made and visit the farms which are tended by the local villagers. A traditionally Russian snack, the shaslik, can be enjoyed before returning to the ship. There will be a Russian Language lesson in the afternoon and a film about the cruise before preparing for the evening's talent show, which will take place after dinner.

Day Nine

Church of the Spilled Blood, St PetersburgFolk concert

After breakfast on board, prepare to explore the wonderful city of St Petersburg on our panoramic city tour. The tour by coach will take in some of the most famous sights including the Exchange, Palace Square and the magnificent Winter Palace, St Isaac's Cathedral, Cathedral of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood, Peter and Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt, the city's main thoroughfare. Return to the ship for lunch on board. An optional rivers and canal cruise will be available for those who want to explore St Petersburg from the water. After dinner on board, there will be the opportunity to see a ballet or folk show.

Day Ten

Hermitage Palace, St PetersburgCatherine Palace, St Petersburg

An optional excursion is available today to the Catherine Palace at Pushkin. Located 29km south of St. Petersburg, the construction of Catherine's Palace for Empress Catherine started in 1717. The Palace is truly spectacular with rooms decorated with gold leaf, a portrait hall and the famous and painstakingly restored Amber room. Lunch will be on board the ship before heading for an afternoon excursion to the world-reknowned Hermitage museum. A magnificent collection of art is housed in the winter palace of Catherine the Great. One of the biggest museums in the world and founded in 1764, its collection includes over 2.7 million items, including masterpieces of Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, Roden, Rembrandt, Rubens and the French impressionists. Dinner on board this evening will be followed by an optional excursion to see St Petersburg by night.

Day Eleven

St Petersburg

A visit to the lower Park at Petrodvorets this morning will allow you to see the two magnificent fountains and views of the Grand Palace. Return to the MS Nikolai Chernyshevsky for lunch on board. Passengers have the opportunity to transfer to the city centre to enjoy free time to explore. Dinner on board this evening before preparing for check out the following morning

Day Twelve

After breakfast on board, check out from your cabin and disembark for your onward transfer to the airport or rail station (not incuded, you may pre-book).

Cabin Views

Junior Suite AJunior Suite BSuite Cabin BedroomTwin Cabin Bedroom

Download the St Petersburg to Moscow Itinerary

MS Chernyshevsky deckplan

2011 St Petersburg to Moscow (10 nights) departures and prices per person:

2011 Moscow to St Petersburg (11 nights) departures and prices per person:

2012 St Petersburg to Moscow (10 nights) departures and prices per person:

2012 Moscow to St Petersburg (11 nights) departures and prices per person:

The tour price includes:

• Accommodation in selected cabin type

• Full board from dinner first day to breakfast final day

• Welcome cocktail reception with the captain

• Full excursion programme

• English speaking local guides

• English speaking on board representative

• On board entertainment programme to include Russian

• language lessons, Captains bridge tour, dancing, live music concerts

• Captains farewell dinner

The tour price does not include:

• Arrival and departure transfers - you can book these separately, please ask for details.

• Any expenses of personal nature, porterage, phone calls, gratuities to ships crew and guides or any other personal expenses not specified above.

• Any air tickets, visa fees, travel insurance etc.

Notes:

• Important - remember to check entry requirements, a visa is required by all visitors to Russia and must be obtained in advance of arrival.

• Important - check current health requirements by looking at the official travel advice website of your own country, or ask your doctor.